Archived press release

GM crops must not be planted without rules on liability and co-existance say MPs

8 July 2004

A committee of MPs has told the Government that it cannot allow commercial crops to be grown in the UK until it sorts out the issue of co-existence (between GM and non GM crops) and liability. A Government consultation on this issue is expected shortly.

The Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee has today published its report 'GM Planting Regime' which investigates the implications of allowing GM crops to be commercially grown in the UK. In particular the MPs considered co-existence (between GM and non-GM crops), liability (should GM contamination occur), GM-free zones and legislative changes that may have to be made.

The Committee's conclusions include:

• That there is "huge confusion in both the Government's and the European Union's position in relation to GM crops, especially in relation to the thresholds of contamination of non-GM crops and thus liability. The Government cannot allow the commercial cultivation of GM crops in the United Kingdom until there is clarification of these critical issues. Until this is done no credible co-existence regime can be constructed."

• The Government should ensure that organic crops suffer zero GM contamination

• The Government should consider carefully mandatory GM-free zones, particularly at the level of regions, and nations such as Wales. But there was scepticism on voluntary GM-free zones,

• The Government must decide who should accept liability and fund compensation

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

"This report rips the Government's GM position to shreds. It is clear that the Committee has grasped the significance for farmers and consumers of allowing GM crops to be grown in the UK far more thoroughly than either the UK Government or the European Union. The MPs' recommendations directly reflect public opinion and the need to protect the environment. If the forthcoming Government consultation does not take this report on board it will be a meaningless sham."

Earlier this year Greg Barker MP introduced a Private Member's Bill, supported by Friends of the Earth, on GM contamination and liability. This proposed new law would require the Government to have a liability and co-existence regime in place before any GM crops were planted in he UK. The Bill, which has been repeatedly blocked by the Government, is due to be debated again in October.

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Published by Friends of the Earth Trust