A key point in the objection is that pollen or seeds from the modified camelina plant could escape from the trial and impact people or wildlife.
Liz O’Neill, director of GM Freeze (who are a member of Sustain) believes that Rothamsted Research’s application with the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs for this trial doesn’t contain enough technical detail:
“Many vital pieces of information are missing from the application and what is included makes it clear that this trial represents an unacceptable risk to people, wildlife and the wider environment. But the problems with this trial also go deeper. GM Freeze wants to help create a world in which everyone’s food is produced responsibly, fairly and sustainably. This trial would be a step in the opposite direction and should not go ahead.”
Objections to the proposed trial can be lodged with Defra until Sunday 8 April. Details can be found here.
Sustain campaigns for a food and farming policy which benefits the environment, health, animals and farmers.
Sustainable Farming Campaign: Pushing for the integration of sustainable farming into local, regional and national government policies.
