The Soil Association is asking for help to oppose plans to run trials for GM wheat in Hertfordshire when there is no market for the crop and no agricultural need for it. Read on for more information and how to register
your objections.

£1.28 million of public money has already been poured into attempting to develop the proposed crop – despite public opposition to GM, and no proven need for it. This money could have been better spent on growing food that people want to eat

Rothamsted Research has applied to grow a field trial of GM wheat in 2012. The crop has been genetically modified to repel aphids.

Why oppose this research? The Soil Association believes there is:

• a lack of data on the possible health impacts of GM wheat,
• a risk of cross contamination with other plants,
• a possible impact on non-GM farms as a result of displaced aphids and,
• the presence of an antibiotic resistant marker gene may contribute to a rise in resistant infections in humans and animals.

The consultation closes on 19 August 2011. For further details, along with how to respond to the consultation, see the Soil Association website.