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Foe welcomes english natures call for caution on genetically engineered crops
8 July 1998
Friends of the Earth has today welcomed English Nature's (EN) position statement warning the Government over the risks to farmland wildlife through the release of genetically engineered organisms into the environment. The scientists at English Nature, the Government's statutory wildlife advisor, are calling for a three year moratorium on the commercial growing of genetically modified crops.
Adrian Bebb, Food Campaigner at Friends of the Earth said:
“This timely intervention by English Nature shows that bland assurances about the safety of genetically modified crops from the Government and industry must be treated with suspicion. The Government must listen to the concerns of its wildlife advisors' and call a moratorium on these Frankenstein foods before it is too late.”
English Nature also raise concerns about the Government's advisory panel on the release of GMO's into the environment: the Advisory Committee on Releases to the Environment(ACRE). English Nature is calling for statutory nature conservation agencies to be represented on the panel.
Adrian Bebb, said:
“We share English Nature's concerns over the composition and role of ACRE.So far these advisors have not turned down one experimental genetic application. We have little confidence in a body which seems to favour the interests of the biotech industry over the safety of the environment.”
Tomorrow organic farmer Guy Watson, with backing from Friends of the Earth and the Soil Association, is seeking a Judicial Review into the planting of an experimental genetically engineered maize crop in a field next to his organic farm. Mr Watson contends that there is a risk of cross pollination; and that the crop trial itself may be illegal as it breaches Government regulations. There will be a Press Conference outside the High Court at 9:30 am.
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Published by Friends of the Earth Trust
Last modified: Jul 2008
