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Archived press release

Government wildlife agencies join call for moratorium on genetic engineering

19 December 1997

Government wildlife agencies have joined the call for a moratorium on the growing of genetically engineered crops. In a letter to Friends of the Earth [1], English Nature has called for a three year halt before any licences for such crops are granted. Three other Government conservation agencies have also called for a three year ban [2].

English Nature is concerned that genetically engineered crops could lead to:

• aggressive weeds being formed that would require the use of more chemical herbicides, and
• “considerable” increases in losses of farmland birds and insects.

The letter reveals that English Nature have told MAFF that there should be a moratorium until the Government's research has been completed in the year 2000.

The first genetically engineered crops grown in this country would probably be a type of oilseed rape resistant to a weedkiller, allowing whole fields to be sprayed whilst leaving the crop unharmed. FOE believes that this could lead to a major increase in pesticide usage and damage to wildlife.

Adrian Bebb Food and Biotechnology Campaigner at Friends of the Earth said:
“Growing genetically engineered crops in this country could create barren fields stripped of most of their wildlife. FOE warmly welcomes English Nature's call for a moratorium. The Government must halt these crops until it is certain that they won't damage our environment or endanger our food. Allowing these crops to go ahead would be one of the biggest decisions ever made in farming - the Government must play safe rather than sorry.”

ENDS

Notes
[1]     Letter from English Nature to FOE (15/12/97) available from FOE.
[2]     The other agencies are Countryside Council for Wales, Scottish Natural Heritage and the  Northern Ireland Environment and Heritage Service.

For further information please contact the Friends of the Earth media team on 020 7566 1649.

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