23rd June 2008

Cllr Fi Macmillan writes to local press calling for the Government to reject their further moves towards GM 

Here in Stroud we have two pioneering community-supported agriculture projects.  In these times of rising food prices, it seems that community-supported agriculture, providing local food to local people at reasonable prices, has a lot to recommend itself.
 
It is no surprise that Ministers are considering easing restrictions on GM crops just as a food crisis kicks. We should not forget that there are no guarantees that GM crops are safe, sustainable or the solution to the problem of hunger.

Until such guarantees exist, it is irresponsible for UK ministers to continue to push for further GM cultivation. Over 70% of citizens, Glos County Council and several governments in the EU have expressed concerns over the negative effects that such crops may have on human health, biodiversity and the environment, as well as highlighting the risks of cross contamination.

Moreover recent research by the University of Kansas over three years has shown that GM soya actually produces around 10% less food than a non-GM equivalent. This research, backed up by a number of other studies, puts to bed the myth that GMOs tend to have a higher yield.

A new report by the International Assessment of Agricultural Science and Technology for Development in April stated, GM food is not the solution world hunger. The real solution to the food crisis is a radical shift towards sustainable farming networks which give farmers a fair price for their crops, adequately serve local communities and work to protect the environment. It is time the UK government and the European Commission learn the lessons of GMOs on the ground and reject the notion that GM food is the answer.

Councillor Fi Macmillan, Nailsworth
Stroud District Green party