UK govt unveils plans for rules on GM, non-GM crop co-existence

- The government has released details of its plans to allow co-existing growing of genetically-modified (GM) crops with ordinary crops.

The Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) said part of the consultation includes the enforcement of strict separation distances between the two.

Under EU rules, no GM crops will be grown in the UK unless scientific evidence shows they are safe for human health and the environment. No commercial GM cultivation is expected in Britain before 2009 'at the earliest', Defra said.

'Should any GM crops with EU safety approval be grown here in future, the government wants a well researched framework of practical measures in place to ensure that GM and non-GM production can coexist but remain separate,' the department said in a statement.

Under the proposals, anyone planning to grow GM crops like maize or oilseed rape will have to ensure that they observe the required separation distance, and where necessary, notify neighbouring farmers, to minimise GM cross-pollination. [e-mail] fp/ra COPYRIGHT Copyright AFX News Limited 2005. All rights reserved. The copying, republication or redistribution of AFX News Content, including by framing or similar means, is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of AFX News. AFX News and AFX Financial News Logo are registered trademarks of AFX News Limited