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India puts moratorium on GM crop
9 February 2010
Responding to reports that India has today (Tuesday 9 February 2010) halted the commercial cultivation of a genetically modified aubergine crop (Bt-Brinjal), following several public consultations across the country and resistance from scientists, farmers and green campaigners, Friends of the Earth's food campaigner Kirtana Chandrasekaran said:
"India's environment minister has listened to the concerns of scientists, farmers and the public and concluded that this GM crop poses real risks to human health and the environment.
"GM crops around the world benefit big business, not local farmers or hungry people - in South America vast GM soy plantations are wiping out farming communities and forests to provide animal feed for factory farms in the UK.
"The UK Government must end its backing of industrial GM farming - here and overseas - and get behind planet-friendly farming that benefits consumers, farmers and the environment."
Notes to Editors
1. Despite fierce opposition from scientists, farmers and campaign groups, the GM crop Bt brinjal was cleared by an Indian government panel for commercial cultivation in October 2009. It was also cleared by The Genetic Engineering Approval Committee (GEAC), India's bio-technology regulator. If it is finally approved by the Indian government, it will become the first GM food crop in India. Anti-Bt-Brinjal groups argue that its cultivation will affect the small farmers and harm humans. More information at: http://www.indiablooms.com/EnvironmentDetailsPage/environmentDetails090210a.php
2. Friends of the Earth campaigns against genetically modified crops. A report by Friends of the Earth International 'Who Benefits from GM crops' is at:
http://www.foe.co.uk/resource/press_releases/gm_crops_increase_pesticid_13022008.html.
3. Friends of the Earth is calling for the UK government to move towards
planet-friendly farming with its Food Chain Campaign: www.fixthefoodchain.com.
If you're a journalist looking for press information please contact the Friends of the Earth media team on 020 7566 1649.
Published by Friends of the Earth Trust
Last modified: Feb 2010
