GM activists slated by NFU president
GM activists slated by NFU president
INTIMIDATION of farmers and landowners involved in genetically modified crop trials has been slammed by NFU president Ben Gill.
His comments follow the decision by Tony Marlow to pull out of official GM crop trials at his Castle Cenlas Farm, near Mathry in Wales (News May 11).
Meurig Raymond, who farms the land in Pembrokeshire, and is vice-chairman of the NFU cereals committee, received calls in the middle of the night and anonymous, offensive letters.
Activists also called neighbouring farmers, telling them they would not be able to sell crops or stock because of contamination from the planned GM maize trials.
Activists hurled abuse at former Tory MP Mr Marlow and his family, trampled flower beds and knocked on doors and windows. "Im angered that one of our members had to withdraw from GM trials as a result of threats to his own and his familys safety," said Mr Gill.
In a separate incident, a local contractor planting maize who had nothing to do with the trials, was told his machinery would be wrecked if he carried on his work.
"Its a very vocal minority of people doing the ranting and raving and inciting the violence," according to Mr Raymond. "The majority of the farming industry are in favour of these trials going ahead, but people are too frightened to put their heads above the parapet."
Mr Gills main concern was the reaction of local officials and the Welsh Assembly, which was against the GM crop trials taking place. Local Labour MP Jackie Lawrence joined anti-GM protests and the decision to pull out was welcomed by Welsh rural affairs minister Carwyn Jones.
"Its beholden on everyone in the political arena to decry these attacks that are being made," said Mr Gill. "And its down to the government to put in place proper protection to ensure these farmers are not bullied."
It should be a priority for the next government to review law and order policy to ensure such threats are investigated thoroughly, he added. *