County avoids GM threat (From Western Telegraph)

County avoids GM threat

Pembrokeshire has again escaped the threat of hosting a test site of genetically modified maize, ten months after the first bid to grow experimental crops in the county was abandoned.

Huge public opposition to last springs planned trial at Mathry is thought to have deterred Pembrokeshire farmers from volunteering land for the Government programme of farm-scale evaluations.

All 35 forage maize sites selected by the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs are in England and represent the last of the Governments three-year programme of Farm Scale Evaluations. The Welsh Minister for Rural Affairs, Carwyn Jones, welcomed Thursdays announcement.

This decision is to be welcomed and I am sure that those communities and interested groups who have shared my concerns over the possible implications of the planting of GM crops for organic and conventional produce will share my satisfaction at the news, he said. Details of the proposed sites were published three weeks earlier than last year when plans to grow the crop at Castle Cenlas Farm were revealed.

A campaign to block the trial was immediately launched and the furore that followed is believed to have influenced the decision of the landowners, Tory MP Tony Marlow, and his business partner, Jill Chambers, to withdraw from the programme.

GM Free Cymru, formed after last years Pembrokeshire campaign, has since maintained their vigilance fearing a fresh attempt by other landowners in the region.

The knock-on effects of foot and mouth and poor commodity returns make it an attractive option for those farmers who perceive genetically modified food to be a lifeline for producers.

They believe trials are essential if crops are to be developed commercially, while opponents argue that the conditions and separation distances applied to their growth are inadequate and would lead to contamination of existing crops.

The anti-GM lobby has vowed not to let down its guard. The independent Scientific Steering Committee will consider locations proposed for autumn sown oilseed rape varieties later this year.