GM (Genetic Modification)
Latest news (archive of older items)
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- A consent to release genetically modified potatoes with improved resistance to Phytopthora infestans has been issued to BASF Plant Science A news release has been issued. (1 December 2006)
- Coexistence of GM crops and non-GM production: consultation paper published (20 July 2006)
- Defra has published a desk study on technologies for biological containment of GM and non-GM crops, undertaken by the University of Reading - a news release has been issued (22 June 2006)
- Update to Defra statement on Genetic Restriction Technologies (GURTs) following meeting of Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity (12 April 2006)
- New reports highlight need to consider environmental impacts of changes to farming practices - see Defra news release (17 March 2006)
- Defra has received a number of letters and e-mails in response to recent press reports and campaigns regarding the interim report of the World Trade Organisation's Dispute Panel on the approval in the EU of Genetically Modified Organisms. Please see the following Defra statement (21 February 2006)
- In advance of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) meeting in March 2006, Defra has received a number of letters and e-mails connected to a recent campaign co-ordinated by an organisation called 'banterminator.org' regarding the research and development of certain Genetic Restriction Technologies (GURTs). Please see the following Defra statement (21 February 2006)
- New information available on fate of weed populations in fields used for the Farm-Scale Evaluations of herbicide tolerant GM crops (28 September 2005)
- Consideration of application to market: Monsanto GM Maize Line MON 863 (16 August 2005)
- The Scientific Steering Committee for the Farm-Scale Evaluations of GM herbicide tolerant crops has fulfilled its obligations and has been wound up. The Secretary of State has written to the Committee members expressing her gratitude for their contribution and agreeing for the Committee to be disbanded (29 July 2005)
- A vote took place at the European Union Environment Council meeting on 24 June to decide on proposals to overturn safeguard actions taken by a number of Member States on certain approved GMOs. In the light of correspondence subsequently sent to Ministers and officials, Defra has published a statement issued in response (13 July 2005)
- Government response to review of Agriculture and Environment Biotechnology Commission published on 5 April. The response is available from the Office of Science and Technology website: www.ost.gov.uk/policy/bodies/review.html (06 April 2005)
- Results of Farm Scale Evaluations of GM winter oilseed rape (21 March 2005)
- Report on “Evaluation of the Organisation and Management of the GMHT Farm Scale Evaluations (FSEs)” by Brian Jamieson & Associates (21 March 2005)
- EU Decisions on Part C Marketing Applications updated (7 March 2005)
- The results of the farm-scale evaluations of GM winter oilseed rape will be published on 21 March 2005 and the public will be able to attend a presentation event. For more information see the Farm-scale Evaluations page and http://olive360.com/sscfarmscale/ (2 March 2005)
- Research reports updated - A generic mathematical model for the Integrated Management of a crop containing antifeedant transgenes (10 January 2005)
- Research reports updated - The impact of transgenes for herbivore and virus resistance on the weediness of crop relatives, Determining risks to soil organisms associated with a genetically modified crop expressing a biopesticide in its roots (16 December 2004)
- Update on the co-existence of GM and non-GM crops consultation, including a summary of the workshops held as the first phase of consultation (14 December 2004)
- Independent Review of Agriculture and Environment Biotechnology
Commission published:
A report on the review of the Agriculture and Enviornment Biotechnology Commission (AEBC) has been published today (2 December 2004). A Defra spokesperson said: "We accepted the advice of the Review committee to publish the report as soon as possible and with minimal comment from Ministers. We would like to take this opportunity to express our gratitude and support for the work the AEBC has carried out to date, especially the contribution of its chairman Professor Malcolm Grant, as we look to consider the recommendations very carefully. We will ensure that we engage with stakeholders prior to making decisions on the future of the AEBC or a successor body." The review is available from the Office of Science and Technology website: www.ost.gov.uk/policy/bodies/review.html (2 December 2004) - Research reports updated - Mechanisms for Investigating Changes in Soil Ecology due to GMO Releases; Consumer willingness to pay to reduce GMOs in food and increase the robustness of GM labelling (10 September 2004)
- Consultation plans on the co-existence of GM and non-GM crops - see the GM Crops page (16 July 2004)
- A new page on Traceability and Labelling of GMOs, including Food & Feed, has been added. (15 July 2004)
- A routine review of the Agricultural and Environmental Biotechnology Commission was launched on 27th May. For more information, including how to contribute, please see www.ost.gov.uk/policy/bodies/review.html (3 June 2004)
- Consultation on implementation on new EU Regulation on transboundary movements of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) (24 May 2004)
- Research reports updated - Uses of GMOs for bioremediation of pollutants; GM crops with altered compositional traits - effects of alterations on persistence / survival; Bt in nature and as a microbial insecticide - interaction between bacterial toxin and potential hosts; Suggested approach to modelling impact of changing farm management on farmland food webs.(20 April 2004)
- Research reports updated - Supply Chain Impacts of Further Regulation of Products Consisting of, Containing, or Derived from, Genetically Modified Organisms (EPG 1/5/212) (6 April 2004)
- ACRE (Advisory Committee on Releases to the Environment) Guidance on Best Practice in the Design of Post-market monitoring Plans (30 March 2004)
- joint Defra/Food Standards Agency Consultation on implementation of new EU Regulations on traceability and labelling of GMOs and GM food and animal feed (30 March 2004)
- Information note on samples of GM tomato seeds [PDF] (20 KB) (22 March 2004)
- Margaret Beckett outlines Government policy on GM crops (9 March
2004) - see:
- Mrs Beckett's statement
- GM Dialogue - Government Response [PDF] (130 KB)
- GM Debate - lessons learned [PDF] (30 KB)
- See the GM Crops and GM Dialogue pages for background
- GM Science Review Panel Second Report published - see www.gmsciencedebate.org.uk (22 January 2004)
- ACRE's advice on the Farm Scale Evaluations published, also advice from British statutory nature conservation agencies (The Countryside Council for Wales, English Nature, JNCC and Scottish Natural Heritage) (13 January 2004)
- GM research report published (Information Bulletin issued 18 November 2003) - see this page for the research report
- Farm Scale Evaluations - results published (16 October 2003) (our "Farm Scale Evaluations" pages include links to relevant news releases and documents)
- GM research reports published (Information Bulletin issued 13 October 2003)
- Regulation of GM crop trials to be strengthened (News Release issued 13 October 2003) - see also ACRE's Review of the Inspection and Enforcement Regime for Research Trials of GM Plants
- The findings of GM Nation, the GM public debate, have been published (24 September). The report itself is available from www.gmnation.org.uk/ut_09/ut_9_6.htm
- GM Inspectorate Annual Report for 2002/3 published 22 September 2003. The report is available from the CSL website www.csl.gov.uk/shownews.cfm?id=428
- Arrangements for presentation of the results of the farm-scale evaluations of spring crops - two meetings, 16th October and 28th October 2003 - are on the Farm Scale Evaluations page. See also the latest Information Bulletin - Background note on the farm scale evaluations of GM crops: publication of the results and the way ahead - issued on 13 October 2003
- Defra ensures precautionary action at GM oil seed rape evalution sites (News Release, 25 July 2003)
- The panel overseeing the GM Science Review published the results of its independent review of current scientific knowledge on GM crops and foods on 21 July. The report is available on the Science Review's website. Comments on the report and scientific contributions are invited by 15 October 2003. The Panel will reconvene in the autumn to take account of any relevant issues arising from the GM Public Debate, and the results of the Farm Scale Evaluation (FSE) crop trials if they are available.
- Strategy Unit report "Field Work: Weighing up the Costs and Benefits of GM crops" published (Strategy Unit web site)
- Secretary of State's speech at a Green Alliance/Royal Society 'Precaution in principle - the GM Dialogue process' event on 5 June
- GM Nation? launched 3 June 2003
- "Margaret Beckett disappointed at challenge to EU on trade in GM food and crops" (News Release, 15 May 2003)
- GM crops and the public debate on GM issues: Statement by the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs - 24 March 2003
- Control of GM products in the EU, and the possibility of "GM-free" zones under Article 19 of Directive 2001/18/EC (21 February 2003)
- Strengthened GMO safety legislation for England - Details of measures to implement new legislation, together with draft guidance, and responses to recent consultation exercises, are available
Page last modified 11 January, 2008