13/08/2000
Call to stop GM crops being grown commercially
Jean Saunders, Swindon Friends of the Earth
The Government has proposed to allow commercial growth of a herbicide
resistant Genetically Modified fodder maize in this country. This is
despite the fact that:
- the trials to assess the impact of growing GM crops on wildlife will not
be
completed for another three years
- the public have rejected buying GM foods and their concerns are being
ignored
- GM pollen can contaminate non-GM fodder maize and sweetcorn crops grown
nearby
which will take away people s right to choose to eat GM-free food
- there have been no health studies conducted on cattle that might be fed
the
crop or on people that might be fed meat or dairy products
- the herbicide used (Liberty) is banned from use in the winter in order to
avoid water pollution and it is lethal for fish and bees
- no-one has accepted liability for any damage or for compensation to
farmers or
bee-keepers who find that their produce is contaminated
- maize can be grown without resorting to pesticides or crossing food
plants
with genes from bacteria, viruses and antibiotics when no-one knows the
long-term consequences
- unlike the GM crop trials, no one will know where the crops are grown.
Swindon Friends of the Earth have had to pay £90 for the right to object to
this proposal and to present our arguments to an independent person
appointed by the Government who will conduct a hearing. This is the only
legal right
that we have had to make our views about GM crops known. Many others would
have liked to object but could not afford the fee.
We would like to extend an invitation to individuals, organisations and
businesses affected by the proposal to support our objection and to make
their
own views known to Government. If you
- eat, grow or sell sweetcorn
- grow maize for animal feed
- eat, produce or sell beef and dairy produce
- keep bees
- support the right to eat GM-free food
- are concerned about the unknown effects on health, on future generations
and
on wildlife
- are generally concerned that GM foods are being forced upon an unwilling
public
then please send a letter expressing your opinions to us that Swindon
Friends
of the Earth will present as evidence of local concern at the public
hearing
that should be held at the end of September.
For further information please contact me at the following address.
Jean Saunders
Swindon Friends of the Earth
Pear Tree Cottage
Longcot
Faringdon SN7 7SS
Tel: 01793 783040
jeanews@gn.apc.org
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