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Pembrokeshire dismay at GM crop trial plan

9/4/2001

The Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority has expressed deep dismay
over the surprise announcement of the two Pembrokeshire sites for trials of
Genetically Modified crops.

And the Authority - which favours a moratorium on the commercial development
of GM crops - has also questioned the timing of the announcement as the foot
and mouth crisis continues.

Although not in the National Park, the two sites, near Mathry, are very
close to the Park boundary, being around 1 km away at its nearest point.

The Authority has a clear stance on GM crops in its draft Management Plan
which has just gone through its public consultation process and is now
awaiting final confirmation. This states that, 'Because of the risk of
cross-contamination of non-GM organisms, and serious doubts of the
effectiveness of buffer zones, the Park Authority supports a moratorium on
the commercial development of GM crops within the European Union.'

The Chairman of the National Park Authority, Councillor Gordon Cawood, said:
"Our concerns are not only the potential impact on the wildlife and
biodiversity, but the potential impact economically on nearby organic
holdings, of which we know there are several.

"In Pembrokeshire, particularly in the National Park, there is a growing
emphasis upon sustainability and the development of organic farming which
needs to be encouraged. Using local sites for GM trials will lead to mixed
messages and will cause serious concerns locally."

Councillor Cawood also highlighted the lack of consultation on the
announcement.


"This was very much a bolt out of the blue for the Park Authority and I
understand that notification of the list of sites came directly from the
Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions. We have a close
and harmonious working relationship with the National Assembly - which has
responsibility for Welsh agriculture - and value this very much as an active
means of communication.

"The timing too, during the current foot and mouth crisis and the growing
public debate on present agricultural policy and practices, also
demonstrates a degree of insensitivity."


Author: Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority