19 June 2008 - Responding to news reports today that Ministers are considering easing restrictions on GM crops, South East Green MEP Dr Caroline Lucas said:

“It is typical of the cynical GM industry to lobby for a relaxation in legislation just as a food crisis kicks in, but there are no guarantees that GM crops are safe, sustainable or the solution to the problem of hunger.

“Until such guarantees exist, it is irresponsible for UK ministers to encourage further cultivation. Over 70% of citizens and several governments in the EU have expressed concerns over the negative effects that such crops may have on human health, biodiversity and the environment, as well as highlighting the risks of cross contamination.

“Moreover, recent research carried out by the University of Kansas over three years has shown that GM soya actually produces around 10% less food than a non-GM equivalent. This research, backed up by a number of other studies testing Monsanto GM crops, puts to bed the myth that GMOs tend to have a higher yield."

Dr Lucas continued: “Existing conflict over GMOs in the EU can only be solved if both the European Council and the European Commission put the precautionary principle at the heart of their decision making.

“The current system, whereby in the absence of a qualified majority in the Council, the Commission simply gives the green light to GMOs, is undemocratic and utterly unacceptable.

“As a report by the International Assessment of Agricultural Science and Technology for Development in April stated, GM food is not the solution world hunger. The real solution to the food crisis is a radical shift towards sustainable farming networks which give farmers a fair price for their crops, adequately serve local communities and work to protect the environment."

She concluded: “I call on the UK government and the European Commission to learn the lessons of experience of GMOs on the ground and reject the notion that GM food is the answer.”

ENDS