LIB DEMS PROTECT GM-FREE SOMERSET

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Thu 12th Oct 2006

Liberal Democrats at County Hall once again confirmed that Somerset should be free from the commercial growing of GM (genetically modified) crops. In answer to the government's latest consultation paper which aims to set out the rules for 'co-existence' between traditional or organic farming and GM farms, the County Councillors categorically said 'NO' at this week's public debate.

Cathy Bakewell signing the Friends of the Earth petition

Speakers from Friends of the Earth, Yeo Valley and the Castle Hotel, Taunton put forward a strong case for protecting Somerset's excellent local food from contamination. They stressed that organic farming in particular was one of the industry's real success stories and that many people chose to live in the county for a 'cleaner, more ethical lifestyle'. 'Co-existence' threatens to bring an end to consumer choice as insects and wind-born pollen could contaminate neighbouring fields.

Councillor Jim Mochnacz, Portfolio Holder for Community Safety, insisted that rejecting the government's paper was an 'economical, social and environmental' necessity and is now calling on all South West local authorities to join Somerset in forming a GM-free South West peninsular.