Archived press release
Go to our press releases area for our current press releases.
Concerns raised over GM 'pharming'
12 July 2004
The EU has awarded 12 million euros to be invested in a European research project to produce pharmaceuticals in genetically modified plants, it was announced today.
Responding, Friends of the Earth's GM Campaigner, Clare Oxborrow said:
"Growing medicines in plants has serious implications for both human health and the environment. We recognise the need for affordable medicines to be made available to people with life-threatening illnesses, but this research could have widespread negative impacts. Food crops in the United States have already been destroyed because of contamination by experimental `pharm' crops. A clear set of criteria must be established to ensure that human health and the environment are protected. Any benefits must genuinely reach those that need them, rather than simply lining the pockets of the biotech and pharmaceutical industry"
Note
1. Press release on food crops in US contaminated by GM `pharm' crops: www.foe.co.uk/resource/press_releases/20021115145406.html
-->
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
Last modified: Jun 2008
