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21/07/2003
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.
The report by the government GM Science Review Panel backs warnings from the RSPB that the cultivation of GM crops, and particularly their management with broad-spectrum weed killers, will deprive farmland birds of essential food.
Birds at risk include the skylark, yellowhammer, tree sparrow and corn bunting, whose numbers have declined by up to 95% in the past 25 years.
The powerful weed killers used with some GM crops will kill non-crop plants before they produce the seeds on which many birds depend during the winter, according to the RSPB. They will also kill foliage that attracts insects – insects are the main food source for most nestling birds in spring and summer.
The report says: "We do not yet have sufficient evidence to predict what the long-term impacts of GM herbicide-tolerant (GMHT) crops would be on weed populations and the wildlife that depends on weeds for food. Above all other concerns, this poses perhaps the most serious potential harm arising from these particular crops."
Dr Mark Avery, director of conservation at the RSPB and member of the panel, said: "The RSPB has been warning for five years that the commercial release of GMHT crops could make a bad situation for farmland wildlife even worse. This report shows that eminent scientists, as well as environmental organisations, fear GM cultivation will adversely affect wildlife."
The RSPB says that the government must await the results of trials on four GM crops – maize, oilseed rape, sugar beet and fodder beet – before deciding whether to allow these GM crops to be grown commercially.
The first results of these trials are due this autumn and the last set of findings will be published next spring.
(GMcG)
The report by the government GM Science Review Panel backs warnings from the RSPB that the cultivation of GM crops, and particularly their management with broad-spectrum weed killers, will deprive farmland birds of essential food.
Birds at risk include the skylark, yellowhammer, tree sparrow and corn bunting, whose numbers have declined by up to 95% in the past 25 years.
The powerful weed killers used with some GM crops will kill non-crop plants before they produce the seeds on which many birds depend during the winter, according to the RSPB. They will also kill foliage that attracts insects – insects are the main food source for most nestling birds in spring and summer.
The report says: "We do not yet have sufficient evidence to predict what the long-term impacts of GM herbicide-tolerant (GMHT) crops would be on weed populations and the wildlife that depends on weeds for food. Above all other concerns, this poses perhaps the most serious potential harm arising from these particular crops."
Dr Mark Avery, director of conservation at the RSPB and member of the panel, said: "The RSPB has been warning for five years that the commercial release of GMHT crops could make a bad situation for farmland wildlife even worse. This report shows that eminent scientists, as well as environmental organisations, fear GM cultivation will adversely affect wildlife."
The RSPB says that the government must await the results of trials on four GM crops – maize, oilseed rape, sugar beet and fodder beet – before deciding whether to allow these GM crops to be grown commercially.
The first results of these trials are due this autumn and the last set of findings will be published next spring.
(GMcG)
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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.
11 July 2003
Report finds GM crops will offer 'limited' economic benefit
A report that sets out the overall costs and uses of commercial GM crops has found that there will be "limited" economic benefit for the UK. The Strategy Unit report, published today, examines crops that are currently available and looked at possible developments over the next 10-15 years.
Report finds GM crops will offer 'limited' economic benefit
A report that sets out the overall costs and uses of commercial GM crops has found that there will be "limited" economic benefit for the UK. The Strategy Unit report, published today, examines crops that are currently available and looked at possible developments over the next 10-15 years.
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".
02 September 2004
British shoppers still turned off by GM food: survey
A majority of British consumers still do not feel comfortable with genetically modified (GM) food, according to a Which? Magazine survey.
British shoppers still turned off by GM food: survey
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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.
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