The final report on gene flow from oilseed rape from UK Farm Scale Trials was published on 24 December by DEFRA and shows that GM oilseed rape (canola) interbreeds with conventional rape and weeds. Between 1994 and 2002, the government has run Farm Scale Trials to study the impact of GM crops on agricultural practices and on the environment. The results are what critics have voiced long enough: The GM crops interbred with other crops and with weeds. In this case GM oilseed rapeinterbred with wild turnip, forming a herbicide resistant weed.

Other cases of GM contamination are well known, but have often been considered as not scientifically proven, despite being peer-reviewed. The most alarming so far were GM contamination of Mexican maize landraces. Another example is crop-to-crop contamination of canola (oilseed rape). It became obvious when Percy Schmeiser, a Canadian farmer, was sued by Monsanto. Since then canola plants grew that had acquired resistance to three different herbicides through cross-pollination.

The promises made about GM crops are crumbling. By now it is obvious that herbicide-tolerant GM cropsactually increase the use of herbicides, and that for example Roundup Ready soybean varieties yield less than conventional ones. Only some side-effects in the introduction of GM soybeans like different weed management currently keep yields higher at some farms.

Environmental activists and consumer organisations have continued to raise awarness. For years actions to weed fields of GM crops or to block sowing have taken place, carried out by activists and scientists, farmers and consumers fighting for their right to decide what they want to eat and for an agricultural system where sustainable, organic agriculture is possible.

Actions are taking place worldwide: in the UK [ 1 | 2 | 3 ], in Germany [ 1 | 2 | 3 ], the Netherlands [ 1| 2 ], and elsewhere.

[ GEN | Norfolk Genetic Information Network | Friends of the Earth UK ]