-Caveat Lector- Wednesday, May 12, 1999 Published at 14:58 GMT 15:58 UK GM pollen warning to organic farmers Bees can carry pollen across the barrier zones set up around GM crops By Environment Correspondent Alex Kirby A UK Government-commissioned scientific report on genetically-modified (GM) crops is thought to say that GM pollen can spread over very long distances. The Ministry of Agriculture (Maff) confirms that it requested the report, from the John Innes Centre in Norwich. It says the report exists in draft form, but will not comment on it until ministers have seen it. Officials from Maff and the Department of the Environment (DETR) are to meet the Soil Association and other organic farming representatives on 14 May. The meeting, which was arranged some time ago, will discuss several items, including the report. It is believed to say that some contamination of organic crops by GM plants is inevitable. It is understood to accept the findings of a report two months ago from the National Pollen Research Unit. That said that GM pollen could be carried a long way by insects and on the wind. With maize pollen, "in normal weather conditions, pollination could occur at sites remote from the source (e.g. 180 kilometres)". Setting an acceptable level The rules governing official GM crop trials insist on just a 200-metre barrier between trial and conventional plants. The report from the John Innes Centre is thought to say that 1% of organic plants in any field could become GM hybrids through cross-pollination. It argues that "acceptable" levels of contamination of organic crops must be agreed. Organic crops cannot be guaranteed The director of the Soil Association, which sets standards for organic farmers, is Patrick Holden. He said: "We are implacably opposed to any suggestion of a minimum level of contamination. "When consumers say they want non-GM food, they don't mean food contaminated up to a threshold of 1%, 2% or 5%. They mean GM-free." Some scientists, while they agree that pollen can be carried far and wide, say that the possibility of cross-pollination is very small with many crops. The pollen grains lose their potency relatively quickly, and they have to compete with locally-produced pollen when they land on plants. Surrounding GM crops with plants of other species reduces the risk, because cross-pollination between species is harder than within them. But the scientists agree that there is no zero risk of GM pollen spreading, and no barrier zone capable of preventing it. http://news.bbc.co.uk/hi/english/sci/tech/newsid_341000/341818.stm 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
