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Gm science review no help to biotech firms
22 January 2004
The final report from the Government's GM science review published today does not support the speedy introduction of GM crops into the UK, or opening markets to GM food and feed imports from abroad says Friends of the Earth.
The final report includes comments on the Farm Scale Evaluations and confirms the findings that GM beet and oilseed rape caused significant harm to wildlife. The review panel gives little encouragement to biotech companies hoping to come up with management techniques that would offset this damage. Like the FSE the trails testing these ideas in beet crops showed "very little weed seed available for wintering birds".
Commenting Pete Riley GM campaigner for Friends of the Earth said:
"This final GM report does not give the green light to rapid GM commercialisation. It admits that there are gaps in our scientific knowledge and significant uncertainties about the long-term impacts of GM food and crops on our health and environment. The Government admits that is no economic case for commercialising GM crops, and its GM debate showed overwhelming public opposition too. The Government must respond by refusing to allow GM crops to be commercially grown in the UK, and develop ways to ensure that our food production is safe and sustainable.
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Published by Friends of the Earth Trust
Last modified: Jun 2008
