Manchester Rejects GM
At a packed public meeting on Weds 16 July, Manchester residents spoke out against the commercial growing of Genetic Modified (GM) crops in Britain. Out of an audience of 130, of those who voted (115) all bar one person (who abstained) were in favour of the following motion: the potential risks of GM crops outweigh the potential benefits. And 112 were in favour of Manchester declaring itself a GM-free zone with only one against.
During July, the Government had run a consultation, "GM Nation?" to gather the public's view on the growing of GM crops in the UK. No event was planned for Manchester, so Manchester Friends of the Earth and Unicorn Grocery decided to call their own, featuring a showing of the offical "GM Nation?" video, 5 minute presentations from a panel of experts for and against GM crops, followed by a discussion and questions from the floor, before a vote was taken on the two motions.
The panel was chaired by Lance Crooks, Manchester Green Party, with members: Jonathan from Corporate Watch, speaking against the commercial growing of GM Crops; Sue Meyer of Genewatch, talking a neutral stance; and Beth Knowles, speaking in favour of the commercial growing of GM Crops. Beth is not personally in favour of the technology, but the organisers had found it impossible to find an advocate prepared to speak despite approaching many organisations who are pro-GM - for example, Manchester FoE had been on the phone to the Agricultural Biotech Council every day for a week and yet nobody would come forward to talk in favour of GM.
At the end of evening, the participants were handed questionnaires to complete, which were then forwarded to the Government as part of the ongoing "GM Nation" consultation.
A recent Consumer Association survey noted that less than one third of the population found GM foodstuffs acceptable and most major supermarkets are refusing to sell GM products. The evening's results reinforced these concerns. During the panel presentation and ensuing discussion the following points were made:
- local organic food businesses would suffer if the crops they rely on were contaminated with GM: they would lose the organic certification
- there have been no properly controlled clinical trials on the effects of GM on human health
- use of herbicide resistant crops has actually increased the use of herbicides in many cases, not good news for the environment and wildlife
- less than 1% of GM research and development is aimed at resource-poor farmers, and so far GM is proving more expensive and giving lower yields. Small-farmers would have to stop their age-old practice of saving seeds from year to year
Graeme Sherriff, coordinator of Manchester Friends of the Earth said: "GM crops should not be planted in the UK until their safety and need is proven and until the public accept them. Neither of these criteria have been satisfied."
Beth Knowles, of Unicorn Grocery was anxious that the public be heard: "We felt strongly that the public should be made aware of this debate and be invited to join it. As an organic grocer we are concerned about the impact of GM contamination of organic crops and the effect this will have on our business."
Seventeen Manchester City Councillors were invited but all declined to attend. It is believed that Manchester City Council has passed an anti-GM motion but that it may not be in effect.
Related Articles
Graeme Sherriff, Manchester Friends of the Earth (0161 834 8221, graeme@manchesterfoe.org.uk)
Beth Knowles, Unicorn Grocery (0161 861 0010, office@unicorn-grocery.co.uk)
GM Nation?
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