Menu
13/01/2004
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.
The Advisory Committee on Releases to the Environment (ACRE) issued its warning after looking at the results of farm-scale evaluations of three crops genetically modified to be herbicide-tolerant (GMHT). The results of which were published in October.
ACRE advised the government that: if beet and spring-sown oilseed rape were grown in a similar way to those in the trials there would be adverse environmental effects; and the results of the maize trials did not show evidence of adverse environmental effects, providing the crops were grown in a similar way to those tested.
Ministers have also received advice on the results of the farm-scale evaluations from English Nature, on behalf of the statutory conservation bodies. English Nature have advised that, on the basis of the results, GMHT spring oilseed rape and beet should not be commercialised, but that GMHT maize may be commercialised subject to certain conditions.
Ministers and the Devolved Administrations will now consider the advice from ACRE and English Nature before reaching decisions. They will be considering whether the UK should press for existing EU marketing consents for GMHT maize to be revoked or amended, and whether the UK should support or oppose the granting of EU marketing consents for GMHT spring oilseed rape and beet.
Environment Secretary Margaret Beckett said: "We will now consider ACRE's advice, as well as the advice from English Nature, very carefully before reaching a view on whether these crops should be approved for cultivation in the EU.
"I have said consistently that the government is neither pro- nor anti-GM crops - our over-riding concern is to protect human health and the environment, and to ensure genuine consumer choice."
There are currently no GM crops being grown in the UK and none have all the approvals required for commercial cultivation.
(gmcg)
The Advisory Committee on Releases to the Environment (ACRE) issued its warning after looking at the results of farm-scale evaluations of three crops genetically modified to be herbicide-tolerant (GMHT). The results of which were published in October.
ACRE advised the government that: if beet and spring-sown oilseed rape were grown in a similar way to those in the trials there would be adverse environmental effects; and the results of the maize trials did not show evidence of adverse environmental effects, providing the crops were grown in a similar way to those tested.
Ministers have also received advice on the results of the farm-scale evaluations from English Nature, on behalf of the statutory conservation bodies. English Nature have advised that, on the basis of the results, GMHT spring oilseed rape and beet should not be commercialised, but that GMHT maize may be commercialised subject to certain conditions.
Ministers and the Devolved Administrations will now consider the advice from ACRE and English Nature before reaching decisions. They will be considering whether the UK should press for existing EU marketing consents for GMHT maize to be revoked or amended, and whether the UK should support or oppose the granting of EU marketing consents for GMHT spring oilseed rape and beet.
Environment Secretary Margaret Beckett said: "We will now consider ACRE's advice, as well as the advice from English Nature, very carefully before reaching a view on whether these crops should be approved for cultivation in the EU.
"I have said consistently that the government is neither pro- nor anti-GM crops - our over-riding concern is to protect human health and the environment, and to ensure genuine consumer choice."
There are currently no GM crops being grown in the UK and none have all the approvals required for commercial cultivation.
(gmcg)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
16 October 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.
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.
21 July 2003
GM weed-killing crops could decimate bird population
Independent scientific research have voiced fears that genetically-modified (GM) crops could accelerate the decline of some of Britain's most popular songbirds.
GM weed-killing crops could decimate bird population
Independent scientific research have voiced fears that genetically-modified (GM) crops could accelerate the decline of some of Britain's most popular songbirds.
09 March 2004
Commercial planting of GM maize gets go ahead
The government has said today that it has agreed "in principle" to the commercial cultivation of GM herbicide-tolerant maize. Mrs Beckett said she did not anticipate any commercial cultivation of GM maize "before spring 2005 at the earliest".
Commercial planting of GM maize gets go ahead
The government has said today that it has agreed "in principle" to the commercial cultivation of GM herbicide-tolerant maize. Mrs Beckett said she did not anticipate any commercial cultivation of GM maize "before spring 2005 at the earliest".
05 November 2004
Crops for manufacture strategy to boost environment
Plans to exploit the commercial, scientific and environmental potential of crops grown for manufacturing have been unveiled today by the government. The joint Defra/DTI strategy is aimed at increasing commercial opportunities, stimulating innovation, cutting waste and environmental damage, and protecting precious natural resources.
Crops for manufacture strategy to boost environment
Plans to exploit the commercial, scientific and environmental potential of crops grown for manufacturing have been unveiled today by the government. The joint Defra/DTI strategy is aimed at increasing commercial opportunities, stimulating innovation, cutting waste and environmental damage, and protecting precious natural resources.
11 November 2003
Rare farmland bird saved from extinction
One of the UK’s rarest and most threatened birds has come back from the brink having achieved almost a six-fold increase in numbers in just 14 years, according to a survey from the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB).
Rare farmland bird saved from extinction
One of the UK’s rarest and most threatened birds has come back from the brink having achieved almost a six-fold increase in numbers in just 14 years, according to a survey from the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB).
-
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.
