NSL Trials Trashed

This year, 13 National Seed List* (NSL) test sites of GM winter oilseed rape were planted, 11 in England and 2 in Scotland. Of these, two crops are reported to have failed and seven (all in England) have been decontaminated, leaving just four in the ground. The destroyed sites are Boothby Grafoe, Lincs; Stanton, Glouc; Abbots Rippton, Histon and Girton, all in Cambs; Picots end and Albury, Herts. The crops at Morley, Norfolk and Brigsley, Lincs have failed.

For a full list of UK test sites visit
www.geneticsaction.org.uk/testsites or
www.gm-info.org.uk/ for a map based list.

Please try and inform GEN testsites@geneticsaction.org.uk of any decontaminations - but remember security!

Also following massive opposition, two farm scale trials in Mathry, West Wales, have been halted. The site close to HDRA organic centre has also been withdrawn.

*Note: NSL trials are to enable the crop grown to be placed on the National Seed Lists - a step necessary for the commercialisation of the crop. If the trial sites continue to be destroyed, the commercialisation of the crop will be threatened. The trials test whether or not the crop grows properly, is stable, and distinctive for the market-environmental concerns play no role.