Indymedia YorkReport from Hull anti-GM picnic
A field shown in a planning applications as destined to be planted with GM Potato test crops was invaded today by around 100 activists and locals, and planted with non-GM potato seed. BASF, along with Monsanto, are conducting attempting to conduct the trials which would be the first in Britain for three years. The new brand of potato is intended to be resistant to ‘late-blight’. Its thought the action might render any future GM trial in the field impossible for some years to come.
The action was a last minute addition to the line up of the Potato Picnic that drew activists from as far away as London, Brighton and Oxford. The afternoon of events started at a community centre, with people leaving for a walk by road and footpath to reach the fields. The march was headed up by a country and western band and members of Hull and East Riding Green Party. As the march reached the field, people began the picnic as planned, with the band playing. One of those in the protest suggested that the field needed planting with ‘real potatos’, and around half those present made their way to the actual planting area. The organisers in Hull had no prior knowledge of this addition to the action.
The low police presence meant the action went ahead with almost no interference, with some planters visible in the very centre of the field. A couple of police on dirt bikes arrived, but no major influx of police. One protester with experience said, “Police let us get on with it, its nice that they’re obviously on our side. Its all a bit surreal really”. The police videoed those who took part in the potato planting, and then again on their way back to base, where Veggies of Nottingham had burger, soup and cake for ready for the returning crowds.
Comments
Its entirely possible to
Its entirely possible to identify potato varieties by foliage and flower (both appearance and flowering time), so its conceivable that the "contaminants" could be manually "rogued" after GM planting went ahead. (Even if this particular variety of GM muck doesn't sprout horns and a trident).
However this looks like a result to me; I can't see it being worth anyones while to protect this site round the clock all summer.
The reports of filming prompt me to mention something thats worried me for a while. I was there, but not one of the "heroes" and I do hope these people don't end up fighting claims for financial damages. I had to leave early, so I won't have been filmed by the police and I've not seen any snaps of myself on Indymedia *on this occasion*.
However it does happen that photos get posted here that readily identify local people who may not wish this publicity. I think people with cameras should consider whether they might actually be assisting people they don't want to assist.
While I'm in paranoid mode a vaguely related observation about the changing of the times - very much for the worse. Apparently the Minister for Environmental Degradation took the unusual step of signing permission for this trial himself. It reminded me of an article I read many years ago that highlighted the different fortunes of Con and Lab ministers after "serving" in office. Ex Con ministers could look forward to lucrative city careers (as they still can), whereas ex Lab ministers sank into poverty and obscurity (well not exactly). I don't think I need to say more.
Photos on Indy
It's a good point about photos. I am one of those people who does take pictures, and generally try and avoid posting faces of protestors who have not consented to having their picture taken. But it's often difficult. Certainly for actions that don't involve anything that may be criminal and are done in the public I may be less careful. If people contact an Indymedia collective they will often remove or obscure images that identify individuals, but remember this is work for some volunteer.
Ekes: Thanks for that. Would
Ekes:
Thanks for that.
Would it be possible to have some sort of policy guideline along these lines?