Archived press release

Gm trials: the farce plays on ...

3 August 2000

Friends of the Earth today slammed the Government's latest announcement on the GMtrials programme as "environmentally risky, scientifically worthless and politically stupid". Public concern over the GM trials programme has grown as more and more evidenceemerges that des pite industry assurances GM pollen will spread and contaminate othercrops.

Investigations into the 'Advanta seed incident' (imports of contaminated oilseed) (1) foundthat GM oilseed rape could pollinate conventional rape 4 km away, yet trials of crops willcontinue to be allowed in the UK with separation distances of 200 m or even less. TheDepartment of Environment has promised to consult the Advisory Committee on Releasesto the Environment on separation distances. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Agriculture hasdecided to consult the biotech industry body SCIMAC!

DETR announced the 25 locations today which will be sown with GM oilseed rape in theautumn (list available from FOE). The crop will be sprayed with a herbicide which isnormally banned in the winter but which is being allowed specially for these trials. (2)

FOE GM Campaigner Adrian Bebb commented:

"The Government continues to gamble with the future of the British countryside,allowing companies to produce crops for which there isn't a market. Genetic pollutionis now threatening our environment and the livelihoods of neighbouring farmers. Thepublic have shown they don't want these crops. But the Government is determinedto stage yet another episode in this long-running farce. The trials programme is environmental risky, scientifically worthless and politically stupid."

(1) The House of Commons Agriculture Select Committee received evidence from the seed companyAdvanta over the contamination of imports of conventional oilseed rape with GM material. Advanta admittedthat the plants supposed to produce conventional seed had been pollinated by GM crops at least 4 km away

(2) Glufosinate ammonium (also known as Liberty) is banned for usebetween September and March becauseof potential problems with groundwater leaching. The Pesticides Safety Directorate have given experimentalapproval for its use in Farm Scale Trials of GM crops.

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Published by Friends of the Earth Trust