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GM buffer zone widened – slightly

- 07 February 2001
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7 February 2001



GM buffer zone widened – slightly

By Isabel Davies

SEPARATION distances between GM crops and conventional varieties are to be increased as the government embarks on another round of farm-scale trials.

In a parliamentary written reply, junior farm minister Baroness Hayman, said increased separation distances would apply in two instances on 96 GM trial sites.

In the case of varietal associations and partially restored hybrids of oilseed rape, the separation distance will be increased from 50 metres to 100m, she said.

For forage maize, the distance will be increased from 50m to 80m.

Baroness Hayman said the purpose of separation distances was to help ensure that any possible cross-pollination with nearby crops was minimised.

“The separation distances agreed should reduce cross-pollination to a maximum of 1% for any crop, and considerably below in most cases,” she said.

Baroness Hayman said that the distances will apply for evaluations of 96 trial sites planted this spring 2001, and would be kept under future review.

The independent Scientific Steering Committee (SSC) has recommended that up to 32 maize, 32 oilseed rape and 32 beet sites should be sown this spring.

Exact locations are yet to be agreed, but the committee will consider a shortlist of sites when it meets on Friday (9 February).

The government is insisting that steps are being taken to improve communication at a local level with farmers in the vicinity of the sites.

All farmers hosting a trial will be given clear guidance that they should discuss their cropping plans at the earliest opportunity with their immediate neighbours.

Ministers are also encouraging an early dialogue between farmers and all relevant local organic growers.

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