Action on GM peril to organics

MINISTERS have insisted that growers of genetically modified crops must "not compromise" organic farming, following widespread fears of contamination by GM seeds or pollen.

The tough stance is in res-ponse to January's House of Lords select committee report which said that organic farming might benefit from GM technology. The Government is emphatic that GM seeds, pollen and additives should not be involved "at any stage" in organic food production.

The ministers' report says: "The Government is offering substantial support to organic farming and is concerned that the introduction of GM crops in to agriculture should not compromise organic production." It makes clear ministers' opposition to the select committee suggestion that GM technology "may offer much to organic systems, for example through reduced [fertiliser and pesticide] inputs". There is also a warning that companies wanting to grow GM crops in the UK should consult neighbouring organic farms and keep an acceptable distance between the two types of crops.

"We are pleased the Government has recognised the importance of organic farming," said Richard Young, campaigns co-ordinator of the Soil Association, "but there is still a great deal to be done to protect organic food from the threat of GM pollution."

Friends of the Earth welcomed the recognition that GM crops may threaten organic farmers, but called for "clear, enforceable proposals on how organic farmers can avoid contamination from GM pollen".

Next month, the Government will launch an organic farming aid scheme. Farmers converting to organic methods can already claim subsidies of up to pounds 450 per hectare over five years.