Archived press release

Gm crop closer to european growing ban

2 February 2004

Belgian ministers have rejected an application to grow genetically modified (GM) oilseed rape commercially throughout Europe. The application, from Bayer CropScience, was turned down after research from the UK Farm Scale Evaluations (FSE) showed that growing the crop would damage the environment.

Friends of the Earth has welcomed the decision but the environmental protection group criticised the Belgian Government for stopping short of a complete ban by approving the crop for import and processing in Europe.

The GM crop, grown in the FSE, was the first to be considered for commercial growing in Europe since approvals were halted in 1998. Belgian experts concluded that growing the GM oilseed rape would have negative impacts on farmland wildlife that could not be controlled. They also agreed that guidelines for farmers to prevent contamination of non-GM crops are unworkable and difficult to monitor. Under European law GM crops must not be allowed to damage the environment.

Belgian experts took into account the results of the FSE and the advice from UK GM advisors ACRE [1], which concluded that growing GM oilseed rape would be worse for wildlife than growing the conventional crop. Another DEFRA study last year shows that insects can carry oilseed rape pollen over many miles [2] and highlights how difficult it would be to contain the cultivation of GM oilseed rape and protect non-GM and organic farming.

German-based Bayer CropScience had applied through Belgium for a Europe-wide licence to grow and import the GM oilseed rape. Belgian ministers have forwarded the application to all member states for a joint decision. It is likely that ministers across Europe will vote in line with the Belgian recommendations. Two other applications for a similar crop, also by Bayer, are being processed by Germany.

Friends of the Earth's GM Campaigner Clare Oxborrow said:

"Belgian ministers have set an important precedent. This decision to reject commercial growing of this GM oilseed rape is a victory for farmers, consumers and the environment and a kick in the teeth to the biotech industry. But it is inconsistent to ban the growing of GM oilseed rape yet allow it for import into Europe. Growing this GM oilseed rape will harm the environment and contaminate non-GM agriculture wherever it is grown around the world."

"Consumers in the UK and Europe have shown they don't want GM crops grown in the UK and they don't want to eat GM food. We call on the UK Government to stand up to the biotech industry, reject GM crops and food and help ensure a GM free Europe".

Notes

A briefing on the oilseed rape and a letter sent to the Belgium Public Health and Environment Ministers is available from Friends of the Earth or can be found at www.foeeurope.org/GMOs/Index.htm

[1] The Advisory Committee for Releases to the Environment (ACRE) issued its advice to Government on the Farm Scale Evaluations on 13 January 2004 www.defra.gov.uk/environment/acre/fse/index.htm. The report showed that GM herbicide tolerant spring oilseed rape and sugar beet caused significant damage to farmland wildlife and should not be approved commercially. The FSE results showed weed cover and the production of weed seeds seriously declined under the GM management regime as did insects such as butterflies.

[2] www.defra.gov.uk/environment/gm/research/pdf/epg_rg0216..pdf (PDF format)

Friends of the Earth is supporting a UK Bill being put forward by Conservative MP Gregory Barker which would introduce separation distances and times between GM crops and other crops and a strict liability code and liability funds to ensure that if organic or conventional crops are contaminated by GMOs, those affected can be reimbursed for their losses. It will be debated in Parliament on 26th March 2004.

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