MAFF publicises hidden GM trials
16 October 2000
MAFF publicises ‘hidden’ GM trials
By Donald MacPhail
LOCATIONS of 21 “hidden” genetically modified trial sites have been published by the Ministry of Agriculture.
This follows claims that MAFF had concealed these small-scale trials, which determine if a named variety has distinct characteristics and merits cultivation.
The Soil Association accused the ministry of running a hidden trial after results were obtained despite a nearby site being destroyed by anti-GM activists.
But MAFF says locations of National Seed List trials have always been in the public domain, though not widely publicised.
Now it has published parish and, in some instances, six-figure grid references for its 10 GM oilseed rape trials, six for GM sugar beet and five of GM maize.
Locations of trials taking place in research centres and farms range the length of the country from Udny in Aberdeenshire to Brockley in Somerset.
The table will also published on the MAFF website.
A MAFF spokeswoman said it was hoped the new table will put an end to accusations of secrecy
“People have been asking where the sites were and so weve brought this information together into one table.
“Hopefully this will put a stop to secrecy claims, as the table gives locations to the parish or six-figure grid reference level.”
All major agricultural and vegetable species – conventional and GM – grown commercially in the UK must first be placed on the National Seed List.
To do so, they must first undergo the trials run by National Institute of Agricultural Botany for MAFF.
A hearing has been taking placed this month to decide if Chardon LL GM fodder maize can be put on the list.
National Seed List trials are separate from the farm-scale trials, which are investigating the environmental impact of GM crops.
There are currently 25 farm-scale evaluations for GM oilseed rape taking place in England and Scotland.
Five other trials are also taking place under the Botanical and Rotational Implications of Genetically modified Herbicide Tolerance programme.
These four-year GM trials of oilseed rape are testing the effects of rotation examine three types of herbicide tolerance in four crops, grown in five rotations.