Greenpeace today warned that the Government's forthcoming announcement of a voluntary moratorium on commercial GM crop plantings is in fact a way of continuing GM commercialization plans that have been derailed by public concern. The real test of Blair's government's view on GM crops will come on Friday at a vote in Europe.
Greenpeace campaigner Jim Thomas said: "Given that the public and food industries have said 'no' to GM food, the only way for GM companies to get large quantities of crops in the ground in the UK is to agree to such a 'moratorium' and continue with the farm-scale 'experiments'".
Despite the 'moratorium', the government has given permission to agrochemical companies to grow up to 12,000 acres of oil seed rape crops alone next spring in the name of science. These farm-scale trials risk irreversible genetic pollution of the environment and the contamination of conventional and organic crops and honey.
Furthermore, as it is voluntary, the 'moratorium' depends entirely on the co-operation of the beleaguered agrochemical industry. It does not stop GM crops being planted in the UK or the continued import of GM crops that are used extensively in animal feed.
Such is consumer and food producer opposition to GM food, it is unlikely that GM crops would be planted if dictated by market forces. "This voluntary moratorium is simply a political holding operation whilst Blair's government hopes to turn around public opinion. This way, the government keeps alive the possibility of a GM crop industry that it so desperately wants, despite the firm rejection by consumers," added Thomas.
On Friday (29th October), the UK government and other EU representatives will vote on whether to give the commercial go-ahead for two varieties of GM oilseed rape produced by AgrEvo, one of which is used in the farm-scale trials. Although EU countries such as France, Greece and Austria are upholding a de-facto moratorium on new GM approvals, the UK government may well vote in favour these new crops. Whilst the trials are happening the companies are able to get the regulatory hurdles cleared.
Jim Thomas continued "Friday's vote on AgrEvo's new GM crops is the acid test that will reveal whether or not Blair's government is really serious about addressing public concerns. Will it finally listen or continue to kow-tow to the GM companies?"
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