Action Briefing Aug 2003- Sept 2003
	The Newsletter of Birmingham Friends of the Earth

West Midlands News

Shropshire goes GM-free

The Shropshire GM Free resolution was passed on 18th July by 35 votes to 2 with 6 abstentions. The Council has thereby declared itself to be against the commercialisation of genetically modified (GM) crops and will request DEFRA and the EU for Shropshire's exclusion from any consents given to commercial GM planting. In addition, the Council will call for (a) clear and mandatory labelling of GM foods and feeds, including products from animals fed GM, (b) the adoption of zero contamination levels, (c) proper compensation measures and (d) new tenancy agreements to be GM-free.

However, the report raises doubts about how Article 19 can be used to exclude specific areas without clear risks being identified.

The Council received 1572 responses to its questionnaire within the deadline and another 300 late. A whopping 94.4% of the respondents were against the commercial growing of GM crops in Shropshire. If there was any concern at the limitations this would place on farmers it certainly didn’t show. The vote was a resounding success and although it’s not binding on central government will send a very strong message.

With the close of the national 'GM Nation?' debate we now move into the next phase of the campaign. Future actions against the commercialisation of GM include on October 13th the 'Tractors and Trollies Against GM' event in London. For more info on all of our GM work contact Clare on 0207 5661716.

Chris Crean