Farmers set for GM seeds cash

Thousands of acres may have been sown

The firm at the centre of the genetically modified seeds controversy is offering compensation to farmers.

The GM contaminated oilseed rape was sown by up to 600 farmers across the UK, mostly in Scotland.

The National Farmers Union demanded compensation if crops had to be destroyed and considered suing the company involved, Lincolnshire-based Advanta.

After discussions with union officials in England and Scotland, Advanta said the only practical course of action "at this late stage in the growing season" was for farmers to remove the crops.

The company's proposals were presented to the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Maff) earlier this week.

'No liability'

Independent agricultural advisors, professional loss adjusters and the farming unions will be asked to put forward the final settlement, which is expected to be reached in the next few weeks.

In a statement, the firm said: "Advanta is making this gesture, not because of any liability, but because it has always, and continues, to put the interests of its merchants and the farmer customers first.

"The event emphasises the need for urgent government action on seed purity thresholds for GM impurities, co-ordinated at national level.

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"Advanta welcomes the high priority that Maff is now giving to this issue."

Douglas Morrison, from the National Farmers' Union of Scotland, said: "Precise details have still to be worked out, but I am delighted that our initial discussions have brought this commitment from Advanta.

"Scottish farmers face significant losses as a result of this incident, which was completely outwith our control.

"We will be working with Advanta to ensure that a fair package is agreed and hope this can be done speedily."

Al-Fayed estate

Earlier this week, it emerged that 55 acres of contaminated seed had been sown on Harrods owner Mohammed Al-Fayed's estate in the north of Scotland.

He promised to support any legal action undertaken by farmers and backed their calls for compensation.

It is estimated that farmers stand to loss £3m they will lose through crop destruction.

Farmers were also concerned that the blunder would make them ineligible for payments from the European Union's Arable Aid Scheme.

But the indications are that Brussels will allow the payments to be made.