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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A chilly start with a widespread frost and some freezing fog, any freezing fog slow to clear. Otherwise bright with sunny spells and coastal showers. Light winds. Maximum temperature 6 °C.Tonight:Coastal showers dying out with a widespread frost developing along with freezing fog, which could become extensive. Winds remaining light. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
