Archived press release

Fears for wildlife in secret GM crops paper

17 February 1999

An unpublished government 'consultation' paper obtained by Friends of the Earth shows that the DETR, in common with English Nature, has continuing reservations over the possible impacts of GM crop use on farmland wildlife. The document, Genetically Modified Crops: Wider Issues - Biodiversity in the Agricultural Environment, although written last autumn, has still not been published for public consultation.

The paper confirms for example that 'there are concerns that the current regulatory regime may fail to identify long term indirect effects on biodiversity resulting from commercial use of GM crops in agriculture, if particular management methods, such as herbicide use for weed control, are encouraged'. The paper goes on to observe that 'whether or not the crop itself was considered to pose a low risk to human health or the environment, widespread commercial uptake by farmers could result in declines in certain wildlife species'.

The paper states that 'decisions could be made on the basis of how good we think the GMO could be rather than on the basis of what the risks are' and says that 'there is no strategic planning to identify, with the industry, farmers and conservation groups, where certain types of GMOs could play a positive role in enhancing biodiversity in agriculture'.The paper notes that GM crops might undermine Government policy to protect wildlife. It is feared by environmental groups that species targetted for special protection, such as skylark and grey partridge, could face further reductions because of GM crop use.

Commenting on the leaked report, Tony Juniper of Friends of the Earth said:

“If ever there was a case for a five year breathing space to consider the potential impacts of GM crops on our wildlife, then it is made in this paper. No wonder they haven't published it. If there is to be a serious discussion about the pros and cons of GM crop plants then the Government should consult on these issues as a matter of urgency. If there is not going to be a serious discussion,then there will be no public confidence in policy”.

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Published by Friends of the Earth Trust