Archived press release

Government looks at GM crop ban

10 October 1998

The Government is considering a moratorium on the commercial growing of genetically modified (GM) crops. The moves follow intense public opposition to the development of this controversial technology. Government officials met with environmentalists - including FOE- amd industry representatives last week to discuss proposals.

Discussions have covered:
. the concerns behind calls for a moratorium and their scientific basis;

. the scope of any moratorium;

. the criteria for ending the moratorium

. additional research or further information which is required.

The Government is also considering the legal position. In a letter to FOE, Dr Linda Smith,the Head of the Government's Biotech Unit, says “You will be aware that Ministers and the United Kingdom will be open to legal challenge unless the actions can be justified” [1].

Pete Riley, Biotech Campaigner at Friends of the Earth said:
“We are delighted the Government has recognised the weight of public opposition and is now considering a moratorium on the commercial development of genetically modified crops. It is essential that this golden opportunity is not lost. The Government must deal with the genuine concerns that exist by calling a five year moratorium on the development of these crops so that research into their safety can be completed and a proper debate can take place about whether we actually need them. However, we fear that plans for a voluntary moratorium with industry will lead to a cop out.”

The public has expressed deep concern about the development of genetically modified crops and food. A recent MORI survey revealed that 61 per cent do not want to eat genetically modified food; and 77 per cent support a ban on the commercial growing of GM crops. Concerns surround the fact that GM crops and food are being rushed into fields and food shelves when so little is known about them, and their potential effects. Recent

research findings indicate that the commercial growing of GM crops in the UK may cause environmental or other problems. These need to be urgently investigated and the precautionary principle must be applied, not just talked about.

FOE wants the Government to respond properly to wide public concern about GMOs by:

(a) imposing an immediate moratorium on the growing of all GM crops, the import of GM seeds and the sale of GM food until the satisfactory completion of research which has already been identified as necessary;

(b) not allowing further patenting of food genes until urgent research and amending legislation is in place to avoid severe consequences for world food security.

FOE believes that the necessary research will take 5 years or longer to complete. The moratorium, therefore, should be for a minimum of 5 years, followed by a review. During the moratorium, GM releases should only be allowed if they are needed for a specified research project not conducted by the industry. The Government should take advantage of the moratorium period to update the regulatory framework and to allow the public into the decision making process.

A Government-industry sponsored voluntary moratorium is only acceptable if it meets the above criteria. The current signs, however, are that it will fall very far short, and that the Government will shy away from doing anything that the bitotech industry will find unacceptable. We would see this as a failure of the Government to lead and a failure to
respond to the wider public interest.

Calls for a moratorium are also supported by English Nature, the RSPB and Gene Watch.

NOTES TO EDITORS:

[1] Letter to FOE from Dr Linda Smith, Head of the Biotechnology Unit, DETR.

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Published by Friends of the Earth Trust