GM crops ‘inevitable’ in UK, game fair told (From Darlington and Stockton Times)

GM crops ‘inevitable’ in UK, game fair told

12:43pm Friday 30th July 2010

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THE introduction of genetically modified crops to the UK was “inevitable”, panellists at the CLA Game Fair predicted.

The CLA deputy president’s debate looked at the state of countryside in 2060 and featured Adam Henson, farmer and Countryfile presenter; Lembit Opik, former Lib Dem MP; and Katherine Sealey, representing the National Federation of Young Farmers’ Clubs.

All three agreed GM crops would be introduced to Britain.

Mr Henson said: “I am sure GM will be an important part of agriculture in Europe ... GM is inevitable.”

Ms Sealy said: “Until the Government invests in scientific research, consumers will not trust GM food, though I am afraid I agree that GM is inevitable.”

Lembit Opik said: “Is GM inevitable?

Yes, probably. If GM crops are cheaper than other crops, then they will do well.”

Introducing the debate, Harry Cotterell, CLA deputy president, said: “The pressures on the countryside will come from every direction: feeding the world, climate change, and the big biodiversity challenge.

“There is also the recreational aspect of the countryside, including country sports.”

On the question of what would have happened to single farm payments by 2060, Adam Henson said that frequently-changing Government policy meant it was impossible for farmers to plan or predict more than 12 months ahead.

He said: “We farm from year to year really. Who knows what will happen in a couple of years’ time? But I am absolutely certain that, without my single farm payment and environmental subsistence, I am out of a job.”

Mr Opik said the public must learn to buy British for environmental reasons.

“It has to be made fashionable to buy British food. If we are serious about the environment, then we have got to start making serious environmental decisions.

“I have no objections to New Zealand, but it takes 840,000 gallons of marine diesel to bring one consignment of lamb here. It is environmentally insane that we feed ourselves with New Zealand meat when you can get good meat from up the road.”

Mr Henson said Britain should learn to throw away less food. “We are wasting 160m tons of food a year, which gets chucked away because it is too round, too long or too short,”

he said.

● During another panel session Jim Paice, Agriculture Minister, said the Government would launch a public consultation this autumn on plans to cull badgers in England.

The coalition is committed to culling badgers in TB hot spots, but needs to decide how it should be done and where.

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