Crop Squat

Thursday 27th saw an attempt made to establish a 'crop squat', in opposition to genetic engineering. It was inspired by a similar squat which took place in Norfolk last year and was planned to provide a welcome to the farmers of the ICC (see article next page).

Unfortunately, within hours of squatting the field, the police showed up, complete with dogs and a helicopter. The top cop stated that we were suspected of having caused damage to the crop (which had clearly been trashed weeks before our arrival) and gave us a time limit to leave by or be arrested. And our reinforcements were hours away. While we wished to stand up for our lawful right to squat the field, both on the land and in court if necessary, the decision made by the ten people in occupation was to leave because having a place to welcome the visiting Indian farmers was our priority.

So, in the ensuing 36 hours we had to create and enact Plan B. This involved much travelling, surveillance both suspected and obvious, including an undercover policewoman sidling up to an activist in our motorway services meeting point to enquire subtly "what's happening with this GMO thing then?" and then attempting to hitch a ride in two of the vans (photos of her will be on-line soon); and reconnaissance to discover an alternative site.

By sun-rise on Saturday a Pioneer Seeds ex-test-site at Farnham Hall Farm in Essex had been occupied. When the police caught up, they were confronted with a myriad of dwellings, a garden, an occupied tripod and mono-pole, and various lock-ons. This time no-one was going anywhere!

Satisfying as that was, for most people, the best moment was when the Indian farmers came marching over the hill, singing and carrying banners. We shared food, sang songs, and agreed that all across the globe we are fighting the same fight, and growing stronger every day. For the farmers it was one of the highlights of their visit. We held the land until Sunday evening. Huge thanks to everyone involved, especially those who helped us out in Oxford at the last minute.