BBC News Online: Special Report

Charles walks into new GM debate

Following research in supermarkets throughout Wales, the Welsh Consumer Council has concluded that organic food is too expensive and in too short supply.

The theme will run strongly through the first day of the prince's three-day tour in Wales. As one of the most prominent supporters of organic food, he will begin his visit to to Wales's biggest agricultural event by meeting with opponents of genetically modified crops.

He is expected to visit a pavilion in the showground at Builth Wells, mid-Wales, where critics are launching a campaign to ban GM crops in Wales.

Senior members of all the main Welsh political parties are backing calls by Friends of the Earth Cymru to ban any further release of GM crops.

FoE Cymru says the National Assembly for Wales would show a commitment to the environment and promote a good image for Welsh agriculture by banning GM crops.

Call for Assembly action

Gordon James of FoE Cymru said: "We are pleased that so many prominent people in Wales have willingly supported our statement calling on the assembly to take action on the issue."

Aside from the issue of organic food, the Prince of Wales will meet with Royal Welsh Agriculture Society President Hugh Thomas and view final judging and presentation of prizes in the Native Beef Breeds Championships.

He will then present the Queen's Cup to the exhibitor of the Champion Welsh Mountain Sheep.

Rural regeneration visit

On leaving the show - at the close of its fourth and final day - he will go on to to visit Llanbadarn Fynydd, a hill-farming community near Newtown, mid Wales, which is becoming well known for its enterprising approach to rural regeneration

He will visit the village shop, filling station and post office, which have been bought and run by the community.

Relevant Stories

Prince backs GM food campaigner (07 Jul 99 | UK)
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EU clamps down on GM foods (25 Jun 99 | Europe)
Sir Paul's GM foods pledge (10 Jun 99 | Entertainment)
Blair's appeal over GM foods (06 Jun 99 | UK)
GM food: Charles' 10 questions answered (01 Jun 99 | Sci/Tech)
Prince sparks GM food row (01 Jun 99 | UK)
Charity's concern over GM foods (31 May 99 | UK)
Blair criticises GM 'hysteria' (27 May 99 | UK Politics)

Internet Links

Welsh Consumer Council
National Assembly for Wales
Royal Welsh Show
Prince of Wales on GM foods
Friends of the Earth Cymru

The BBC is not responsible for the content of external internet sites.

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