Forces Opposed to GM Take Comfort in Big Field Trials in Britain

Tuesday, March 21st 2006

• Tweet

Anti-GM groups say results from the biggest genetically modified crop trial done in Britain bolster the case against the new science.

British scientists have released findings from a three-year, wide-scale field trial of GM crops and say GM beet and spring rape are worse for wildlife than conventional varieties.

But the results also showed that growing herbicide-tolerant GM maize was better for many groups of wildlife than conventional maize.

The Farm Scale Evaluations study was of three GM, herbicide-resistant crops - beet, oil and seed rape and maize - and tested the impact of farmland wildlife of herbicide use associated with GM crops compared with that used for conventional crops. The researchers stressed the differences were not the result of the way in which the crops had been modified but because the GM crops gave farmers new options for weed control. They used different herbicides and applied them differently.

But Green Party co-leader Jeanette Fitzsimons said the study showed ecological studies had to be done in New Zealand before widespread release of GM plants.

"The fact herbicides used with the herbicide-resistant GM crops were more damaging to wildlife than the herbicides used with ordinary crops is exactly the opposite of what the GM industry has always claimed."

The head of the British research team, Dr Les Firbank, said: "The results are clearly important to the debate about the possible commercialisation of GM crops.

"But they also give us new insights that will help us conserve biodiversity within productive farming systems."

Source; Weekend Herald, 18-19 October 2003

Footnote from Ideal Health

The following products are all GE free :

Carob Powder - Organic
Natracare Tampons Reg. 16's
Natural Vegetable Protein - Chocolate
Natural Vegetable Protein - Vanilla
Stock Cube Chicken - All Vegetable
Stock Cube Vegetable
Super Tampons with Applicator
Textured Soy Protein

Related health information can be found here:

Acid and alkaline forming foods
Adrenal support
Alfamax, a rich source of Vitamins and Minerals
Allergies
Antioxidants
Celtic sea salt - don't be conned by the crusade against salt
Foods to help detoxification
Gluten Free Foods
The benefits of fasting & detoxifying
The Good Health Diet

Related articles can be found here:

Cosmetics Full of Suspect Chemicals

Danger Warning on Pain Medicine

Dental Amalgam May Cause Oral Lichen Planus

Doctors Alarmed by Gene-Altered Foods

Drug-Pumped Poultry Fuels Human Risk

Patients Used as Drug Guinea Pigs

Stroke Risk Increased in Hypertensive Women Using HRT

U.S. Sample Finds Drug Imports Unapproved, Risky

If you need help or advice, you are welcome to email our naturopathic team with your health question.

Disclaimer: The health information presented here has been written for the New Zealand health consumer. It is of a general nature and is only intended to provide a summary of the subjects covered. The information is not intended to be comprehensive or to provide medical advice to you. While all care has been taken to ensure the accuracy of the information, no responsibility or liability is accepted, and no person should act in reliance on any statement contained in the information provided. All health ailments should be treated by a qualified health professional.

ref:n374

• Tweet