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GM Crops: Seeds of Doubt
North American Farmers' experience of GM crops
What could be the implications of growing GM crops both for farmers and
for the general public within Oxfordshire?
 On
5 March a public meeting was held in the Town Hall to explore these issues,
organised by Oxford Friends of the Earth. Almost 100 people attended
the meeting, representing a variety of groups including farmers and local
politicians. Hugh Warwick, co-author of the Soil Association's report
‘Seeds of Doubt’, presented his findings about North American Farmers’
experiences of growing GM crops. This was followed with brief responses
from a panel of four representatives from other farming organisations,
each of whom gave a slightly different perspective on the issues involved.
The panel were:
The meeting ended with a lively debate, open to all members of the audience.
Plenty of people had questions to ask the panel and comments of their own
to make.
 It
is hoped that the meeting will spark further interest about how GM crops
could affect farmers and residents of Oxfordshire. Our future plans
include writing a letter to all County Councillors enclosing the Friends
of the Earth publication “Now or Never – Why you should make your area
GM-free”, encouraging further action from our County Councillors.
And a GM-free picnic may be held in the summer, possibly involving other
local Friends of the Earth groups around Oxfordshire.
 So
contact Andrew if you wish to know
more and get involved! Congratulations to Andrew for organising such
an interesting and successful evening; let’s hope it leads ultimately to
a GM-free Oxfordshire!
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