Co-op bans GM

Co-op bans GM

Greenpeace welcomes the Co-op's decision to say no to the commercial growing of GM crops in the UK, and to ban GM ingredients, including animal feed, from throughout its business.

The Co-operative Group is not only Britain's biggest farmer (it has 85,000 acres of land), it is also a supermarket chain - selling £5 billion worth of food annually. The Co-op based its decision to ban GM on the lack of scientific knowledge surrounding GM and the overwhelming opposition of its members.

A survey of Co-op customers and members found that 78% of people have yet to be convinced that the commercial growing of GM crops should be allowed in the UK. The survey, conducted by NOP World, also found that 79% of people would not knowingly buy food containing GM ingredients.

The Co-op's announcement follows the results of the Government's GM crop trials and the GM National Debate - both of which fell short of banning GM.

Greenpeace, Unilever, the Consumers Association and The Co-op funded a GM Jury project because of the Government's reluctance to make the public debate really 'public'. The GM juries agreed the moratorium on commercialisation in the UK should be continued.

At a time when supermarkets are on a slippery slope backwards when it comes to GM, the Co-Op's announcement is a significant step in the right direction. It is now time for other supermarkets to make similar commitments and reflect the will of customers.

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