GM Feed Factory Closed Down

On 20th June, 17 people entered, occupied and closed the BOCM Pauls animal feed processing plant in Alton, Hampshire. BOCM Pauls is a large manufacturer of animal feed in the UK, and since 50% of all genetically modified (GM) crops are used in animal feed, this means that BOCM Pauls probably use more GM products than any other UK company.

In a well-planned action people arrived at the front gate at around 1.00pm. Different groups made their way to the offices and the processing plants, whilst another closed the gates and hung a cool banner reading “Resistance is Fertile!” across them.

The be-suited office employees were talked to, but most expressed confusion and/or an antagonistic attitude. In the manufacturing plant it was different, with some of the occupiers having a cup of tea and some cool chats with the people working there. Maybe next time they’ll even be a game of football!

After an hour or so four police turned up. Slightly baffled, they didn’t really do anything except stop a macho truck driver from starting a fight with people blocking the gate. After another hour a chief cop and video wielding cop arrived and after more faffing gave a deadline “leave or be arrested”. There was an impromptu get together and he was given the occupiers decision - that they would stay until 4.30pm and leave then, not before. And that’s what happened. A successful day, no injuries or arrests, a shut down of a GM related industry for an afternoon, some minor office mischief, a good laugh and another chance to see some mates. Watch out for more!