UK's GMO policy blow
The UK Government's plans for scientific trials on genetically modified crops have been thrown into confusion as a result of the verdict in a trial at Norwich Crown Court on September 20. Peter Melchett, executive director of Greenpeace and 27 co-defendants were cleared of charges of criminal damage after admitting destroying a field of GM maize in Norfolk,UK, in August last year. The jury accepted the defendants' claims that there actions were justified in order to prevent 'genetic pollution'. However, UK farmers were dismayed at a verdict they described as 'perverse'. National Farmers' Union president Ben Gill said, 'We find it extraordinary that, even with such clear evidence, a not guilty verdict was reached. This gives the green light to wanton vandalism and trespass.' The Department of the Environment said that farm trials would continue even though the risk of disruption by environmental activists has increased as a result of the verdict. 'If we halt our strictly controlled research there would be widespread GM crop planting without us getting the scientific evidence we need,' a spokesman said. 'The farm scale evaluations are vital for us to assess whether there are any unacceptable effects on the environment and human health by growing and managing GM crops.'