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GM seed cleared for final farm trials
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Following the recent discovery of impurities in GM oilseed rape seed used in the spring farm-scale evaluations (see news release 336/02, 15 August), DEFRA suspended the autumn sowing whilst the new seed was tested.

Independent tests carried out by the GM Inspectorate at the Central Science Laboratory have confirmed that only the intended GM seed is present. In the light of the test results, biotechnology company Aventis Cropscience has been authorised to go ahead with sowings of winter oil seed rape, which will complete the FSE programme.

See news release 352/02

For more on farm-scale evaluations of genetically modified crops, and for details of the GM public debate, see DEFRA's GM page.

This page was last updated on 30 August 2002