16/10/2003
Beckett receives results of three-year long GM trials
The department for the environment has today received the results of the GM research into three herbicide-tolerant GM crops - maize, beet and spring oilseed rape.
The government-sponsored 'Farm Scale Evaluations' have been carried out over a three-year period to test the impact on farmland wildlife of the herbicide use associated with these crops.
The results will now be passed to the government's statutory advisory body - the Advisory Committee on Releases to the Environment (ACRE) – which will advise on their implications, possibly by December or early January.
In the light of this advice the government will decide the UK's position on whether these specific crops should be approved for commercial cultivation in the European Union (EU).
The government will also consider the findings of its GM public debate, the science review, and the costs and benefits study - as well as a forthcoming report on the coexistence of GM and non-GM crops.
Environment minister Margaret Beckett said that the government's overriding concern was to protect human health and the environment, and to ensure genuine consumer choice.
The Minister added: "We persisted with this research despite the activities of some anti-GM campaigners, including serious attempts to destroy the trial sites. So I am very pleased that the results are now available - we have said all the way through what have been fairly difficult years that they would provide valuable additional information to test the potential impact of growing and managing these crops on farmland wildlife. This is one of the environmental criteria that each application must meet."
The trial results will also be forwarded to other EU member states. A number of applications for the import or cultivation of GM crops are currently being considered by the EU.
Current EU legislation requires decisions to be taken on the basis of the evidence presented for each crop. No final decisions on applications for cultivation are likely at EU level until the New Year. Any decision is subject to collective agreement by member states.
(gmcg)
The government-sponsored 'Farm Scale Evaluations' have been carried out over a three-year period to test the impact on farmland wildlife of the herbicide use associated with these crops.
The results will now be passed to the government's statutory advisory body - the Advisory Committee on Releases to the Environment (ACRE) – which will advise on their implications, possibly by December or early January.
In the light of this advice the government will decide the UK's position on whether these specific crops should be approved for commercial cultivation in the European Union (EU).
The government will also consider the findings of its GM public debate, the science review, and the costs and benefits study - as well as a forthcoming report on the coexistence of GM and non-GM crops.
Environment minister Margaret Beckett said that the government's overriding concern was to protect human health and the environment, and to ensure genuine consumer choice.
The Minister added: "We persisted with this research despite the activities of some anti-GM campaigners, including serious attempts to destroy the trial sites. So I am very pleased that the results are now available - we have said all the way through what have been fairly difficult years that they would provide valuable additional information to test the potential impact of growing and managing these crops on farmland wildlife. This is one of the environmental criteria that each application must meet."
The trial results will also be forwarded to other EU member states. A number of applications for the import or cultivation of GM crops are currently being considered by the EU.
Current EU legislation requires decisions to be taken on the basis of the evidence presented for each crop. No final decisions on applications for cultivation are likely at EU level until the New Year. Any decision is subject to collective agreement by member states.
(gmcg)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
19 May 2003
Meacher's GM crops comments draws fire
Friends of the Earth has reacted angrily today to comments made by Environment Minister Michael Meacher suggesting that the government could allow GM crops to be grown commercially in the UK – without the public getting a say on the issue.
Meacher's GM crops comments draws fire
Friends of the Earth has reacted angrily today to comments made by Environment Minister Michael Meacher suggesting that the government could allow GM crops to be grown commercially in the UK – without the public getting a say on the issue.
20 June 2013
Environment Secretary Says GM Crops 'Probably Safer'
The environment secretary, Owen Paterson, has called on the government to focus efforts on the production of GM crops, saying they are "probably safer" than ordinary crops.
Environment Secretary Says GM Crops 'Probably Safer'
The environment secretary, Owen Paterson, has called on the government to focus efforts on the production of GM crops, saying they are "probably safer" than ordinary crops.
19 February 2004
Opposition outraged over leaked GM crops approval
Opposition parties have strongly criticised the government following the emergence of a leaked cabinet document which shows that the government is close to adopting the use of GM crops for commercial purposes.
Opposition outraged over leaked GM crops approval
Opposition parties have strongly criticised the government following the emergence of a leaked cabinet document which shows that the government is close to adopting the use of GM crops for commercial purposes.
13 January 2004
Experts warn over commercial use of GM crops
Government advisers have warned that the commercial use of certain GM crops will have "adverse environmental effects" if used in the same manner as during trials.
Experts warn over commercial use of GM crops
Government advisers have warned that the commercial use of certain GM crops will have "adverse environmental effects" if used in the same manner as during trials.
21 October 2003
Co-op bans GM crops from its stores
The Co-op supermarket group has banned GM crops from its stores and said today that it will reject any government proposals to allow the commercial planting of GM crops in the UK.
Co-op bans GM crops from its stores
The Co-op supermarket group has banned GM crops from its stores and said today that it will reject any government proposals to allow the commercial planting of GM crops in the UK.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:After a dry start this morning rain will spread from the northwest across all parts. This afternoon will be dull with some patchy rain and drizzle. Becoming much milder through the afternoon. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:A cloudy evening and night with a little light rain or drizzle, perhaps some clear periods developing along the east coast. A very mild night everywhere. Minimum temperature 10 °C.