Campaigners have succeeded in stopping a genetically engineered (GE) maize trial going ahead at Wolston in central England because it threatened the organic status of the Ryton Organic Gardens, run by Henry Doubleday Research Association (HDRA), the UK’s national organic seed centre.
The danger of cross-pollination was a real possibility, according to Lorna Jackson of HDRA. The gardens are only 2.7km away. Maize pollen can be carried up to 5km. Fodder maize commonly cross-pollinates with the type of sweetcorn HDRA researchers are growing, and the flowering periods overlap.
A leading pollen expert concluded that there was a clear risk of maize cross-pollination. The Department of Environment, Transport and the Regions (DETR) conceded that the risk could not be ruled out. HDRA has five bee colonies which could have transferred pollen on its five-acre site. There has been no consultation with either local organic farmers or beekeepers.
The Soil Association, which has certified HDRA, said it would be forced to withdraw HDRA’s organic status if GE contamination occurred. The cause received the support of Michael Meacher, UK Environment Minister at DETR. Finally the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds threatened to sever links with GE trials unless the site was withdrawn. On 21 May the Supply Chain Initiative on Modified Agricultural Crops gave in to concerns, announcing it was pulling out of the Wolston site.
For more information: Lorna Jackson, HDRA, Tel +44 (0)2476 308200, Fax +44 (0)2476 639229.
[This article first appeared in
Pesticides News No. 52, June 2001, page 17]