Biotech industry abandons controversial GM trial site

A controversial GM trial site at Wolston in Warwickshire has been abandoned. The site was two miles from one of Europe's foremost organic research centres - the Henry Doubleday Research Association.

Friends of the Earth GM Campaigner Pete Riley said: "This is the first time that the Government or biotech industry have ever listened to genuine concerns from the public. But communities up and down the country are still very worried about the impact of these crops on conventional and organic varieties. SCIMAC [Supply Chain Initiative for Modified
Agricultural Crops] and the Government must now review the entire GM farm-scale trials programme. "

Lorna Jackson, Real Food Campaigner for Coventry FOE, said: "This is fantastic news. Local people were united in their opposition to this outrageous proposal and have been mounting protests for weeks. Thankfully this hard work has paid off and the important work that the
HDRA does can now continue without this terrible threat hanging over it."