Pembrokeshires landowners have been applauded by their MP for keeping the county free of genetically modified crops.

It is unlikely that any Pembrokeshire farmers applied to take part in the final round of GM maize farm-scale trials. All 35 sites published by DEFRA last week are in England.

Preseli MP Jackie Lawrence concludes that farmers had heeded the message of opposition from consumers.

The Assembly and Welsh people have made it clear that they do not wish to see GM crops in Wales and it seems that Welsh farmers have listened to those wishes, says Mrs Lawrence.

Her delight is shared by Mathry-based GMFree Cymru, an organisation formed last year to fight two trials planned at Castle Cenlas Farm.

Local environmentalist Dr Brian John, a member of the organisations liaison group, believes last years public outrage to the trials had shown the crop science giant, Aventis, and the Government GM advistory committees that it would be virtually impossible to satisfactorily conduct trials in Wales.

GMFree Cymru now plans to concentrate on supporting other UK protest groups. Goodwick organic farmer Tom Latter maintains that the scientific case against GM plantings continues to strengthen.

Ministers are fully aware of the inevitability of cross-pollination, unauthorised escapes of GM organisms, the development of superweeds and damage to beekeepers and the organic farming sector, he claims.