On 6th September 7 local cyclists will be setting out in silly costumes to talk to farmers and the public about GM maize.

The group are concerned that the government is about to start a propaganda campaign to convince people that GM should be grown commercially. The first variety to be proposed is a kind of fodder maize designed to be resistant to the herbicide Glufosinate Ammonium.

The west grows a lot of maize for it's dairy herds, but for the past 3 years Devon has remained GM free, due to strong resistance from farmers and rural communities, which have stopped the governments farmscale trials being conducted in the region.

Maizey, who will be cycling for 14 days dressed as a giant maize plant, said-

"Most of the major supermarkets have commitments to phase out the use of GM feed in their animal products, so making the peninsular a GM free zone could be a distinct economic advantage for our farmers. We need to make a strong decision now while we still can."

Dr Jean Splicer the gene juggling scientist added-

"The only apparent benefit from the proposed maize, Chardon LL , is that the herbicide can be applied after the crop has started to grow. But a recent study showed that in Canada both the current highly toxic chemical, Atrozine, and Gluphosinate, are needed to adequately control weeds. These patented seeds tie farmers into tough contracts with biotech companies which prevent the practice of seed saving. Not to mention the impossibility of growing GM and non GM, in the same area. This could result in complicated wranglings and lawsuits all round if we're not careful."

No insurer will insure against GM contamination because they believe the risks to be to high, and the European Landowners Association believes it could effect the long term value of land. Ms Bee said-

"If this goes ahead no one will be able to tell if they have a GM crop next door, and organic farming in the region will be devastated. But resistance is fertile- consumers kept GM off our shelves by refusing to buy it. Farmers and Councils can keep it off our land if they sign 'GM free zone pledges' and make it clear this is another agricultural albatross we can all do without."

Notes to Editors

The seven welcome anyone who would like to join them on their ride, and hope to visit farmers at home in both Devon and Dorset to discuss the situation.

The group also hopes to quash the myth that Gm is needed in the developing world. The UN says we already produce one and a half times the food needed to feed the world, the problem is one of distribution and war. And in 98 delegates from 18 African countries made a statement saying- "We strongly object to the image of the poor and hungry from our countries being used by giant multinational corporations to push a technology that is neither safe, environmentally friendly, nor economically beneficial to us."

In America farmers whose seeds have been accidentally contaminated by neighbouring crops are being sued by the biotech companies for infringement of royalties, because the GM seeds are patented.