Why BASF is not going ahead with GM field trial (16/5/2007)


EXTRACT: According to BASF's press release: 'Due to concerns raised by local borage growers BASF is not going ahead with planting of the [GM] field trial this year in order to resolve the issues.'

The farmer was quoted as saying that he would not go ahead with the trial if the borage issue was not sorted out.

We cannot see how the borage issue can be sorted out which points to it being very difficult to run the trial next year.

NOTE from GM Watch: If the trial had gone ahead, local bee keepers said they'd have to remove their hives from the area and this could have affected the viability of borage crops in the vicinity of the trial.

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Subject: GM Update
From: "Lee-Ann Williams"
[email protected]
Date: Wed, 16 May 2007 09:58:20 +0100
HEDON AGAINST GM CAMPAIGN
Wednesday, 16 May 2007

GOOD NEWS AND BAD NEWS

HEDON AGAINST GM CELEBRATE VICTORY AS BASF ANNOUNCE THAT PLANTING WILL NOT HAPPEN THIS YEAR.

This is brilliant news this is what we campaigned for. Our biggest aim this year was just to stop this happening. We do not expect this to be the end of the story but it should give hope to other environmental groups and members of the public who see it is possible to make an impact by taking a stand.

GOVERNMENT GIVES GREEN LIGHT TO GM CROPS IN UK

Defra have finally made their decision and have announced approval for GM crops to be planted in East Yorkshire. The permission granted is valid for 5 years. The decision was made after taking ACRE's report into consideration. ACRE (Advisory Committee of Releases to the Environment) stated that 'the trial would not result in any adverse effect on human health or the environment'.

They already had the green light – David Milliband signed the docs himself – this is not news folks. And what evidence have ACRE got to show no adverse effects?

According to BASF's press release: 'Due to concerns raised by local borage growers BASF is not going ahead with planting of the field trial this year in order to resolve the issues.'

The farmer was quoted as saying that he would not go ahead with the trial if the borage issue was not sorted out.

We cannot see how the borage issue can be sorted out which points to it being very difficult to run the trial next year.

CAMBRIDGE

Unfortunately the GM spuds went in at Cambridge very quietly without headlines on April 19th.

Regards
Lee-Ann
Hedon Against GM Campaign
http://www.hedonagainstgm.org.uk


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