Memorandum submitted by National Farmers'
Union
GM GOVERNMENT DECISION
The NFU welcomes this opportunity to contribute
to the Committee's inquiry into the implications of the Government's
recent decision to agree in principle to the limited commercial
cultivation of GM maize in the UK. In view of the subsequent decision
by Bayer to discontinue efforts to commercialise Chardon LL in
the UK, however, we wish to take the opportunity to further consult
our members about the complex issues highlighted in the terms
of reference of the inquiry.
In the course of the debate thus far the NFU
has consulted its members at length about the concerns regarding
coexistence, liability and non-GM zones. Please find enclosed
our previously prepared policy statements on these practical implications:
(a) NFU policy statement on biotechnology
and GM crops; [48]and
(b) NFU policy statement on coexistence of
GM crops with conventional and organic production. [49]
Together with other interested parties we are
expecting to be consulted soon by Defra about proposed Government
solutions to these concerns, as foreshadowed by the Secretary
of State in her announcement to the House of Commons in March.
In the meantime we hope that the committee will emphasise the
importance of adopting a science-led focus in the continued public
debate on the relevant issues.
National Farmers' Union
April 2004
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