Scottish Farmer

Scientists Co-Operate On GM Field Trial

Scientists at five research centres across Britain have embarked on a four year long field trial programme on genetically modified (GM) crops to create a management blueprint for possible future arable systems.

It is also hoped the trial, costing an an estimated 600,000 Pounds shared between the state and the industry, will provide unbiased scientific information on the environmental issues surrounding GM crops.

Unveiling details of the project, code-named BRIGHT - the Botanical and Rotational Implications of Genetically Modified Herbicide Tolerance - John MacLeod, director of the National Institute of Agricultural Botany, said: "The aim of the scientific community is to find objective data on which to base sound decisions."

Papers emerging from the trail would be subject to scientific scrutiny by sector peers and others to ensure its accuracy and lack of bias. This should ensure its acceptability to politicians and public, he added.

The trials will involve the study of crop rotations at five sites operated by the NIAB, the Scottish Agricultural College at Aberdeen, the Institute of Arable Crops Research, and the Morley Research Centre, using GM herbicide tolerant sugar and fodder beet, oilseed rape and maize crops.

"There have been a lot of studies looking at specific issues for specific crops. We now need to look at the wider implications and the impact on agriculture and the environment. We need to adopt a holistic approach and examine the interactions between crops and systems to provide answers for the farms and to asses the impacts," said Dr Jeremy Sweet, project co-ordinator.

He pointed out that GM crops had been an increasing feature of commercial agriculture, especially in North America, over the past three years with engineered herbicide tolerant crops worldwide growing from 0.6 million ha in 1996, to an estimated 20 million ha in 1998.