Indymedia York

This month a controversial experimental genetically modified potato crop is due to be planted in the UK by the German based multinational BASF. One of the two trial sites is in the East Riding.

DEFRA initially gave approval in December for BASF to undertake trials at two sites, one in Cambridgeshire (at the National Institute of Agriculture and Botany - location) and the other initially in Derbyshire - until the farmer pulled out.

The trials are the first GM crops to enter British soil in nearly 3 years, after public opposition forced a u-turn in government and corporate plans for patented crops.

Michael Wilkin, of Humber Lane, Welwick near Hull agreed to step in to replace the Derbyshire trial. Other farmers and local residents have urged him not to plant the experimental crop. He said: "We never expected there to be so much fuss. If we had realised what public opinion would have been like, we would never have agreed ... I've spoken to friends who are against it, then when they have found out it's me who has agreed to do it, they have realised it must be safe because I am trustworthy."

The potatoes are engineered to be resistant to late blight, but GM isn't necessary to achieve this. 20% of normal potato varieties are already blight resistant. The trial in Hull threatens the soil association standard of local organic farmers and the livelihoods of several borage farmers in the area who are worried local beekeepers will not be prepared to expose their hives to the threats posed by GM pollen.

April 20th is the end of the consultation period for the new location near Hull and the crop is likely to be planted soon after. A national public rally will take place in Hull on the 21st April.

In Cambridge on April 14th protest walk visited the site [photos 1, 2].

LINKS:
BackgroundGM - Back on the agenda? | Sabotaged promised | New GM crop trials

Campaign sites mutatoes.org | East Riding Based hedonagainstgm.org.uk | Cambridge GM concern | myspace.com/gmfreepotatoes