D-day for bid for GM trials (From Western Telegraph)

D-day for bid for GM trials

THE PEOPLE of Pembrokeshire will know this week whether trial crops of genetically modified forage maize are to be planted in the county.

A year after farmers, politicians and environmentalists united to stop these crops being grown in Pembrokeshire, the Government will disclose this week whether any farmers in the county have applied to be part of the latest round of trials.

The announcement was due to be made on Monday, but DEFRA says it is now unlikely that the news will be released before today (Wednesday). Fears that Pembrokeshire could be a target for GM crops has heightened since a National Farmers Union meeting at Wolfscastle on Thursday. Among the audience at the GM debate was Judith Jordan, of Aventis Crop Science, the company involved in last years attempt to grow genetically modified forage maize at Castle Cenlas Farm, Mathry.

Organic farmer Tom Latter, who campaigned against these trials, was concerned by her presence.

It is pure speculation, but I would not imagine she would have travelled to Pembrokeshire to hear the debate if there was no interest in GM planting in the county, says Tom, of Penrhiw Farm, Goodwick. A member of the audience also asked how soon it would be before farmers would be able to plant GM seed commercially. Mr Latter fears that the argument against commercial planting would diminish if the trials are accepted because cross-contamination would already have occurred. If we got to this point it would be too late to stop the commercial growing of these crops, says Mr Latter. The pro-GM lobby argues that GM crops could be a future lifeline for conventional farmers, but the strength of opposition which halted last years trials is likely to be repeated if this weeks announcement identifies a site in Pembrokeshire.