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Co-op says no to gm
21 October 2003
Friends of the Earth has welcomed today's announcement from the Co-op that it will reject any Government proposals allowing GM crops to be commercially grown in the UK. The Co-op is Britain's biggest farmer (85,000 acres of land) and sells 5bn worth of food annually.
A Co-op survey of its customers and members, also published today, found that
- most people (55 %)were against GM with a further 38 % yet to be convinced of its benefits, and
- 78 % have yet to be convinced that commercial growing of GM crops should be allowed in the UK.
The Co-op's survey closely mirrors the result of GM Nation?, the Government's public debate which reported in September.
The Co-op today said NO to:
- Growing GM crops on its own land;
- Selling GM food under its own brand;
- Investing bank customers' money in GM technology.
Commenting, Friends of the Earth's GM campaigner Clare Oxborrow said:
"Congratulations to the Co-op for listening to its customers and taking positive steps to keep Britain GM-free. We will now be looking for other supermarkets, businesses and major land owners to take action on this important issue too. The Government should also take a similar stance following its public debate earlier this year which also showed massive public opposition to GM food and crops."
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Published by Friends of the Earth Trust
Last modified: Jun 2008
