GM Nation Debate - the response of the Isle of Wight Council to the Government's Public Consultation.


As part of the National Consultation the Isle of Wight Council organised a public meeting on 2 July. This was attended by more than 120 members of the general public. Following the GM Nation video and presentations for and against GM science a small panel led a lively debate. Of the contributors to the debate not one spoke out in favour of GM food and the following is a sample of the many concerns which were expressed:

  • Deep concern was expressed regarding the unpredictable outcome of GM.
  • Distrust of the Government's reassurances on safety were a key issue, especially following BSE and other flawed advice.
  • There were strong expressions that scientists have got it so wrong so often that there was no confidence in their ability to get it right this time.
  • A minority of the people present at the debate clearly wanted to take drastic action against the promotion of GM crops, and these people were frustrated by the debate.
  • There was an overwhelming feeling of depression that the GM technology would contaminate all foods eventually and would be impossible to resist.
  • There was a great fear that Monsanto and other large companies involved in GM technology could hold the world to ransom.
  • The majority thought we should stop it now by legal means, whilst a minority would take any action necessary.
  • Several speakers expressed the view that it is too late to stop GM technology contaminating all food products.
  • Anger was expressed that choices to farm organically and to be a vegetarian would be impossible with widespread technology. This would consequently affect basic lifestyle choices.
  • Many questioned the need to produce GM crops (allegedly to provide a higher yield), especially when farmers are paid to set aside farm land.
  • Farmers on the panel expressed the view that if the public wouldn't buy GM food there would be no point in producing it.
  • The possibility of super weeds (resulting from cross pollination) resisting traditional pesticides and resulting in the necessity for even more and stronger pesticides was of great concern.

In addition to providing the DEFRA feedback forms to send in, a vote was held in which an overwhelming majority voted against GM Crops.

This vote substantiates the resolution passed by the Isle of Wight Council in 1999 and reaffirmed at a meeting of the full Council on Wednesday 11 June, at which it was resolved;

(a) THAT having regard for wider public opinion the policy of this Council is to discourage, by whatever means and by working in partnership with Island landowners, from allowing or authorising the use of their land for production of GM crops, either in trials or commercially, and to communicate this policy to the Isle of Wight branches of the National Farmers Union, County Landowners Association, and other relevant national organisations.

(b) THAT the policy of this Council is to resist attempts, by whatever legal means, to grow GM crops locally with a view to the Island being promoted as a GM Free Zone.

Cllr Terry Butchers
Spokesperson for the Environment, Transport and Planning