FOE is protesting outside a Monsanto press conference in London today, called to launch a so-called "independent" study by Monsanto of their controversial genetically engineered soyabeans. FOE has written a detailed critique of the study which shows that:

. the study gives low but still misleading figures for an increase in yield - such increases are a main justification for genetic engineering [2]

. nearly half of farmers surveyed didn't notice any improvement in weed control

. figures given for reduced herbicide use (only 9% in some areas) are much less than can be achieved through alternative and safer methods, such as spraying only when weeds are present [3]

. the report gives Monsanto's interpretation of studies rather than the studies themselves. The studies are paid for by Monsanto and are themselves based heavily on industry reports.

Adrian Bebb, Biotechnology campaigner for Friends of the Earth said:

"After all the hype about how wonderful these crops are supposed to be then farmers may be surprised by the feebleness of the evidence that this report is able

to offer in favour of genetically engineered crops. This report - Monsanto's optimistic version of industry-generated studies - amounts to little more than a mish-mash of genetically modified mumbo-jumbo. Monsanto's report tends to confirm that the benefits of genetically engineered foods have been hyped and that granting licenses for their commercial use are frankly not worth the risk. We have already been force fed Monsanto soya beans and it not looks like we shall now be force fed their propaganda. The public have been warned!"

Last week, one of Monsanto's demonstration farmers pulled out of test trials over concerns about the effects of genetically engineered crops.[4]

2. The increase in yield figures for the soyabeans is given as 5%. However, rather than compare their beans with other high-yielding varieties, Monsanto have simply compared their beans when sprayed with their chemicals and when sprayed with other company chemicals.

3. Research done in the UK by the Institute of Arable Crop Research has shown that if you only spray herbicides when you have weeds then you can reduce the amount of chemicals from between 30 and 90%. Organic farmers don't use any chemicals.

4. Peter Lemon, a 3000 acre farmer in Wiltshire withdrew from trials this week after talking about the risks with FOE, the Soil Association and local farmers. A statement is available on request.

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Published by Friends of the Earth Trust