Archived press release

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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Archived press release

Co-op says no to gm

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