Archived press release

Farmers asked "WHY SOW WHAT YOU CAN'T SELL?"

9 October 1997

PHOTO CALL - Placard-waving protestors will be outside the National Farmers Union, 164 Shaftsbury Avenue, 11.15 am THURSDAY 9th OCTOBER 1997

People throughout Europe don't want genetically engineered foods, states a new report released today by Friends of the Earth.[1] The research is published on the same day as groups opposing these foods take their protest to the farming industry with the message,'Why sow what you can't sell?'.[2]

The report analyses recent public opinion surveys in Europe and concludes that people are rejecting genetically engineered foods due to potential health and environmental risks and moral concerns.

Pete Riley, Food campaigner for Friends of the Earth said:

“Not surprisingly, people throughout Europe are becoming more and more concerned about eating genetically engineered foods. There are health and environmental concerns that have simply not been addressed. Given the strength of public opinion it is not surprising that the only way these products can be sold is for them to be secretly smuggled into our food.”

The report will be delivered today to the National Farmers Union and the Ministry of Agriculture who both support the introduction of genetically engineered crops and foods.The timing of the protest is critical as the Government may give the go ahead for the first commercial genetically engineered crop this December (oilseed rape) despite not knowing its environmental impact.[3]

Protests against genetically engineered foods are taking place throughout the world as part of a global fortnight of action. Friends of the Earth local groups in this country are currently protesting at supermarkets in dozens of towns.

“With public opinion over food safety running high our advice to farmers is to stay well clear of genetically engineered crops. Put simply - don't sow what you can't sell!”

ENDS

NOTES TO EDITORS:

[1] Polls Apart: Public Opinion and Genetically Engineered Foods, produced by Friends of the Earth, October 1997. Full copies available - phone 020 7566 1602

It summarises that:

. There is widespread concern about the applications of biotechnology through Europe.

. The level of concern has increased in the 1990's.

. The public are concerned about the health and environmental risks associated with genetically engineered foods although moral considerations are of most importance.

. Over half of people do not want to buy or eat genetically engineered foods.

. The population of Europe trust medical professionals and environmental groups ahead of government, retailers and industry as reliable sources of information about biotechnology.

[2] A delegation of organisations opposed to genetically engineered foods will be handing in a letter together with the FOE report to the NFU and MAFF. The delegation includes FOE, Greenpeace, Women's Environment Network, Genetic Engineering Network, Gaia Foundation and the Soil Association.

[3] According to MAFF, an application for commercial approval of genetically engineered oilseed rape (made resistant to a herbicide) will be made at the end of November. This would be the first genetically engineered commercial crop in the UK.GE oilseed rape can cross breed with non genetically engineered crops and with weedy relatives. Research on genetic pollution of this sort, sponsored by MAFF and the DETR,only commenced in 1997 and will not be completed by the time the first commercial crop is sown in 1998.

If you're a journalist looking for press information please contact the Friends of the Earth media team on 020 7566 1649.

Published by Friends of the Earth Trust