-Caveat Lector- British farmer destroys nation's first genetically modified crop Copyright � 1999 Nando Media Copyright � 1999 Associated Press LONDON (June 7, 1999 3:33 p.m. EDT http://www.nandotimes.com) - Environmentalists on Monday praised a farmer's decision to destroy Britain's first genetically modified test crop. But Fred Barker, whose modified oilseed plants were sprayed this weekend with a powerful pesticide, insisted that he still backs modified foods. Barker, who planted the crop two months ago, said he destroyed the plants at his Wiltshire farm because his trustees both oppose such foods and were frightened by a threat from the Soil Association, an organic lobby group, to remove its endorsement from organic food produced elsewhere on the farm. "I believed when I first planted these crops, just as I believe now, that it is a step forward in agriculture," Barker said. The Soil Association and other environmental groups insist that the voluntary guidelines for the tests do not guard against the threat of cross- pollination between modified plants and ordinary crops. "We are pleased because it is one less plot out there that is threatening to pollute other crops, including organic plots," said Patrick Holden, the Soil Association's director. Prime Minister Tony Blair's government says it believes genetically modified foods are safe. Government ministers are monitoring trial plantings of such crops and will examine the results closely before allowing commercial planting, Blair says. Prince Charles weighed in last week, writing in The Daily Mail that he did not think genetically modified crops were adequately tested or necessary. Charles' Highgrove estate is 17 miles from Barker's farm. Although widely accepted and approved in the United States, genetically modified crops have won less acceptance across Europe. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Steve Wingate California Director SKYWATCH INTERNATIONAL Anomalous Images and UFO Files http://www.anomalous-images.com DECLARATION & DISCLAIMER ========== CTRL is a discussion and informational exchange list. Proselyzting propagandic screeds are not allowed. Substance�not soapboxing! These are sordid matters and 'conspiracy theory', with its many half-truths, misdirections and outright frauds is used politically by different groups with major and minor effects spread throughout the spectrum of time and thought. That being said, CTRL gives no endorsement to the validity of posts, and always suggests to readers; be wary of what you read. CTRL gives no credeence to Holocaust denial and nazi's need not apply. Let us please be civil and as always, Caveat Lector. ======================================================================== Archives Available at: http://home.ease.lsoft.com/archives/CTRL.html http:[EMAIL PROTECTED]/ ======================================================================== To subscribe to Conspiracy Theory Research List[CTRL] send email: SUBSCRIBE CTRL [to:] [EMAIL PROTECTED] To UNsubscribe to Conspiracy Theory Research List[CTRL] send email: SIGNOFF CTRL [to:] [EMAIL PROTECTED] Om
