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Dept of the Environment Transport and the Regions

Answer

Mr. Reed: To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what importance is given to the proximity of organic farms when deciding upon the location of farm-scale evaluations of GM crops; and if he will make a statement. [137069] Mr. Meacher: The Government recognise the concerns of organic farmers in relation to the proximity of their farms to the Farm Scale Evaluations of GM crops. The evaluations are being conducted in accordance with guidelines drawn up by SCIMAC (Supply Chain Initiative on Modified Agricultural Crops--a grouping of industry organisations representing farmers, plant breeders, the seed trade and biotechnology companies). The guidelines recognise minimum separation distances between organic and GM crops. SCIMAC have always made it clear that these guidelines will be reviewed in the light of experience. The National Institute of Agricultural Botany (NIAB) reported to Government on separation distances in August. The Government are considering the implications of the NIAB report, as part of its current wider review of separation distances.

Secondary information

Type

Written question

Reference

357 c605W;357 c604W; 137069

Session

1999-00

Subjects

Codes of practice Crops Contamination Genetically modified organisms Organic farming Testing Supply Chain Initiative on Modified Agricultural Crops National Institute of Agricultural Botany

Link

View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk