Now is time to have your say on GM (From Western Telegraph)

Now is time to have your say on GM

Anti-GM activists in Pembrokeshire are urging the public to respond to a Government consultation on the commercial planting of genetically modified crops - before it is too late.

Friday is the deadline which has been set by the standing committee considering the pros and cons of growing GM crops in Britain.

Tom Latter, a member of GM Free Cymru and a fierce opponent of genetic modification, said the consultation was an opportunity for people to have their say on this controversial subject.

A questionnaire is available on the website - gmnation.org.uk. "I would also encourage people to write to their MPs and AMs,'' said Mr Latter, of Penrhiw, Goodwick. "The Government has said that it would not feel bound to accept the majority view and does not regard the exercise as a referendum. The Government will at the end of the day do what it chooses.''

Mr Latter, who was at the forefront of the campaign to halt trial crops of GM forage maize being planted at Mathry, feared the standing committee's findings could open the door to the licensing of GM crops, a move which has its opponents and supporters.

The Soil Association is worried that it would contaminate organic crops and disputed the claim that it would increase yields and put an end to world hunger.

But pro-GM campaigners argue that the benefits are numerous, including a significant cut in the levels of herbicides and pesticides used to safeguard crops.