Posted 5th August 2001

End Of Line For GE In UK
by Robert Anderson Member Physicians and Scientists for Responsible Genetics*

New proposals for controlling GM contamination in seeds could mean an end to genetically modified farming in the UK, Friends of the Earth learned today.

Amendments to the Directives controlling seed purity, proposed by the European Commission, will require massive increases in separation distances between non-GM seed crops and GM crops, making it impractical for farmers to grow the two side-by-side. For example, for basic oilseed rape seed production, the proposed separation distance is five kilometres from GM crops - requiring a huge exclusion zone around all GM oilseed rape.

The EU is proposing a 0.3% - 0.5% GM threshold for contamination by EU approved GM varieties, but the costs of ensuring non-GM seeds meet this standard will fall on the conventional seed producers and not the biotech industry. The EU proposed thresholds are intended to ensure the final crop reaches the food/feed processing factory with less than the one per cent contamination - a level which has been widely criticised as being far too high by consumer and environment groups. (Supermarkets are already operating at a much lower contamination threshold of 0.1%). Imported seed will be required to have zero contamination from genetic modifications which are not approved in the EU.

Last week the UK Government announced further sites for the GM winter oilseed rape farm scale trials, where separation distances from non GM crops are no more than 200 metres.

Commenting for Friends of the Earth, GM Campaigner Carol Kearney said: These new proposals should sound the death knell for GM farming in the UK. The new proposals in practice will mean a choice between a GM-free future for farming, or GM-only seed and food. The seed industry knows what UK consumers want and expect. A GM-free future is the only real option they face. "Friends of the Earth is delighted that the new proposals take the threat of GM-contamination so seriously. This is the only way to protect consumers from the unknown hazards of GM food. The UK Government should take note of the EU proposals and immediately stop the oilseed rape farm-scale trials they have just announced, where the 200 metre separation distance is completely inadequate."

*Physicians and Scientists for Responsible Genetics . .