Ban on GM Crops May Be Illegal

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Monday, 19 May 2003

The government says it may be forced to allow farmers to grow GM crops in Britain even if the public does not want them. The environment minister Michael Meacher told the BBC a ban on GM crops would be illegal unless there is scientific proof that they harm people or the environment. The latest polls show only 14% of people in Britain approve of GM food. But Mr Meacher told BBC Radio 4's Farming Today that public opposition alone would not influence the government's decision.
"We have to act in accordance with the law. The law at the present moment is set down in a EU directive and the key and sole criteria for taking action with regard to GM crops is: Are they a harm or risk to the environment?"
Source: BBC via www.soilassociation.org