Church advisers say no to GM crop trials

Friends of the Earth has welcomed the Church of England Ethical Investment Advisory Group's recommendation that "it is not yet appropriate to grant tenancies for crop trials on Church land given the uncertainties caused by the lack of an ethical framework".

"We are delighted that the Church's ethical advisors want the Church to be a 'good neighbour' and not grow genetically modified (GM) crops while concerns and uncertainties remain," said Friends of the Earth Biotechnology Campaigner Adrian Bebb. "Farmers who have already agreed to take part in GM trials should also heed this advice. If they contaminate their neighbours crops with GM pollution they may find themselves liable for the damage they have caused."