The great GM food debate

The Government-sponsored forum will get under way in Birmingham on Tuesday, June 3, with five further debates taking place around the country over a 10-day period.

Then the Government will release the results of the controversial crop trials which have taken place in farms across the UK over the last five years.

These trials frequently hit the headlines as anti-GM protesters tried to destroy the crops, claiming they would pollute the food chain, and cause unknown problems for consumers and the eco-system.

Anti-GM groups, including Friends of the Earth and Greenpeace, argue that not enough is known about the long-term effects on the environment, and that more, longer-period trials should be carried out.

But Britain's leading academic institution, the Royal Society, says there is no evidence to suggest that foods containing ingredients from GM plants are any less safe than their organic counterpart.

Such is the confusion among consumers that several supermarkets, including Iceland and Marks & Spencer, have banned GM produce from their shelves. Other retailers won't rule out GM produce - especially as the technology promises to deliver cheaper goods.

Recently, a new complication has been thrown into the GM mix, namely the US.

George Bush has warned the European Union that by refusing to allow American GM crops to be sold, it is contravening trade laws and has threatened to take the issue to the World Trade Organisation.

This is regardless of the fact that public opposition to GM food and crops remains high.

In October 2002, an NOP survey revealed that 57 per cent did not want the Government to allow GM crops to be commercially grown in the UK.

The Evening News explores all sides of the debate.

The Government will release the results of the controversial crop trials, which have taken place in farms across the UK, next week.

TRIALS HAVE BEEN AN 'INTERESTING EXPERIENCE'

THE FARMER

Farmer Robert Chilman, of Tibberton, took part in a two-year trial growing GM maize between 2000 and 2002.

Mr Chilman said he took part because he believes people should only pass judgement on GM food once the facts are known - which won't be until trials are carried out.

He says he is neither pro nor anti genetic modification, but described the trials as an "interesting experience".

"I used less herbicide on the crops, which was kinder to the environment so that was a good point," he said.

"People have to have an open mind to the facts and then make a decision. There is a lot of scare-mongering that is not based on fact.

"If the Government is not going to grow GM crops in this country we should not import them. But a lot of it is being grown because people want cheaper food."

THE SHOPPER

Fran Richman, from Overthwart Crescent in Warndon Villages - who was dubbed "Worcester Woman" during the 1992 election - said she does not look at food labels when out shopping to see if it contains GM ingredients.

"I don't religiously go and check the labels because I am not that bothered," said Fran, who has two teenage children.

"I'm not worried for myself or my family."

She does believe, however, that GM is a bit of a grey subject and even though there may be some benefits for the public there needs be more studies to examine the effects on nature.

"I support long-term studies to look at the whole issue and we must get a world health study going and get everyone involved - not just to find the benefits to humans but also plants and animals.

"GM foods could be very beneficial to the Third World.

"If you can develop a crop which can withstand drought then it would be a panacea for them."

THE MINISTER

This month, Environment Minister Michael Meacher said a Government ban on GM food would be illegal unless there was scientific proof that it harmed people or the environment.

He added that public opposition alone would not influence the Government's decision.

"We have to act in accordance with the law," said Mr Meacher. "The law at the present moment is set down in an EU directive and the key and sole criteria for taking action with regard to GM crops is: are they a harm or risk to the environment?"

However, in February Mr Meacher attacked GM crops in an environmental magazine interview.

He said the problem was whether in 10, 20, 30 years time serious and worrying things would happen that no one ever predicted.

"It's these sorts of totally unpredicted problems that make me very, very cautious.

"We have been feeding ourselves perfectly adequately since overcoming problems of hunger in our early existence. GM is not necessary."

THE ENVIRONMENTALIST

Simon Atkinson, PR officer for Worcestershire Greenpeace, wonders what is the point of the nationwide debate on the future of GM crops if it is, as Michael Meacher says, illegal to prevent them being grown.

Although he hopes there will be a full and frank debate, he questions the validity of such a forum given that field trial results will not be released until after the debate.

"We do not believe there needs to be much more awareness because the public knows what is happening," he said. "We would like to see long-term tests of five, 10 and 15 years to find out the effect on the environment."

"And the argument speaks for itself. People are against GM foods and so are the supermarkets."

THE RETAILER

Robert Thompson runs the Angel Fruits grocery store on Bromyard Road in St John's.

Mr Thompson says that although his shop has in the past had some GM produced items, they try not to stock them.

He has found that his customers prefer organic food and they will actually ask for such products.

"It is all down to what the consumers want," said Mr Thompson.

"But if they want GM produce then we will sell it."

He added that the cost of GM food also plays a part in whether he stocks it and people buy it.

"From my knowledge GM produce is more expensive than organic produce because it is down to supply and demand.

"There is more locally-grown produce available so it will be cheaper."

Mr Thompson, who has run Angel Fruits for seven years, said he would personally prefer to eat something if he knows how it has been grown.

WHAT IS GM?

The science behind genetic modification is cutting-edge. It involves altering the DNA of an organism or introducing genetic material from one organism into another.

This means crops can be modified to resist disease, or to grow in adverse weather conditions, which is why scientists have great hopes the technology will solve drought problems in Africa and Asia.