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![]() Wednesday, July 8, 1998 Published at 08:53 GMT 09:53 UK ![]() ![]() UK ![]() Government advisors urge genetic crops ban ![]() English Nature say more research is needed into genetically modified crops ![]() The government's official wildlife advisors have called for a temporary ban on the commercial planting of genetically modified crops.
Groups including Friends of the Earth and the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds have welcomed the statement.
It called for a three year moratorium on the commercial growing of these new crops. Devon trial The call comes just a week after the government decided to allow trials of genetically modified maize on a Devon farm. Neighbouring organic farmer Guy Watson, backed by Friends of the Earth and the Soil Association, is going to the High Court on Thursday to challenge this decision. "Precautionary principle"
Dr Brian Johnson, English Nature's advisor, said that existing research had to be completed before English Nature could have a better idea of the possible effects of genetically modified crops on farmland. "We must adopt the precautionary principle if we are to maintain England's biodiversity and wealth of wildlife," Dr Johnson said. There have been more than 20 attacks on sites this year by groups protesting at the introduction of genetically modified crops. Fifteen companies have more than 300 licensed test sites in Britain. ![]() |
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