GM Actions

The first commercial-scale trial of genetically modified oil seed rape to be planted in the UK was destroyed by the farm owner on 5th June. The owner of Lushill Farm, near Swindon, ordered the destruction of 25 acres of GM oilseed rape following objections from the farm trustees who feared that a mass trespass would take place.

On 16th June, four people from "Cereals '99 snowball" peacefully uprooted approximately 400 genetically modified sugarbeet plants at the opening day of the Cereals '99 exhibition held at Vine Farm, Wendy in Cambridgeshire. The GM sugar beet was planted last year and formed part of an exhibit on the Monsanto trade stand. Security staff arrived after about 20 minutes but there were no arrests. After the action the 'decontaminators' remained at the site to take responsibility for their actions and explain to the show's attendees, mostly farmers and the Monsanto representatives, why they did it.

Contact GenetiX Snowball on 0161 834 0295.

* At least 2 genetic test sites have been destroyed this month, bringing the total to over 35 this year. GM trials must be completed before GM crops can be commercially grown, so, the more tests get destroyed, the longer commercial sites will be delayed.

Contact GEN, 0181 374 9516.