The great gm debate

The Government's nationwide public debate on the commercial growing of Genetically Modified [GM] crops in Britain started in June 2003. Woking LA21's debate began a month earlier with a public meeting at the H.G. Wells centre, which was hosted by Woking Borough Council. The debate was recorded and broadcast by BBC television for their Six o'clock News bulletin. Woking's debate was also mentioned on the BBCs `Today' radio programme and there was good coverage also by the local press.

The four main speakers were Professor Jim Dunwell, from Reading University, who discussed the pros and cons of GM crops. Paul Rylott, of Bayer and Chairman of the Agriculture Biotechnology Council, gave the industry viewpoint that GM breeding is more precise and GM plants are more extensively tested than conventionally grown plants. He also commented that there is a reduction in production costs, and less pesticide use which is more targeted with less impact on wildlife. There are also benefits to health because of the reduction in pesticide use.

Most of these claims however were disputed by Gundula Azeez, who is co-author of the Soil Association's recent report - `Seeds of doubt: North American farmers' experience of GM crops'. She commented that weed resistance has developed to multiple herbicides so that more toxic chemicals are now needed to control weeds. Cross-pollination by bees and wind has meant adjacent farms have been contaminated. Claire Oxborrow, from the Friends of the Earth, spoke of the potential health risks to man, which would not be detected in the United States as they do not label GM products. Questions from the audience showed concern for unpredictable health risks. Please see the table below for the results of the questionnaire completed by the audience who attended the debate.

Statement that most closely represents your view on growing of GM	% of Votes
Growing of commercial GM crops should be allowed in Britain now.	7
More research should be carried out to understand the impacts of GM crops.	53
GM crops should never be allowed to be grown commercially in Britain.	38
I am unable to make an informed decision.	2

The results of the questionnaire were sent to Margaret Beckett, at Defra (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs) who forwarded them to the Nationwide GM Public Debate Secretariat.

It is hoped that the concerns raised will be fully considered and taken into account when making decisions on this very important subject.