Welsh Assembly Government Issue GM-Coexistence Consultation

The Welsh Assembly Government has issued a consultation on the coexistence of GM, conventional and organic crops in Wales.  The proposals are stronger than those proposed in 2006 by Defra for England and if enacted would give Welsh farmers greater protection. The consultation document can be obtained from WAG and the closing date for responses is 22^nd September 2009.

On the 30^th June the Welsh Assembly Government (WAG) issued a consultation on proposals for managing the consistence of GM, conventional and organic crops in Wales.  This follows the English consultation undertaken by Defra in July 2006 whose outcome is still to be announced. The proposals in the Welsh consultation, although similar to the English proposals, appear to be tougher.  A statutory national public register of where GM crops are to be grown is recommended that would have to be completed 3 months in advance of planting.  This fits with a proposed statutory duty to inform neighbours, landowners, contractors, purchasers of land and public.  It is also suggested that all those who grow and handle GM crops will be required to undertake a statutory training course and be certified competent. Statutory record keeping would be required (location, crops, etc) and all of this will be monitored by WAG. The proposal goes as far as setting out statutory infield requirements including isolation distances, buffer crops and cultivation intervals. Its liability proposals are much tougher than those suggested for England as it recommends that the GM sector should have statutory liability for economic losses caused by the use of GM crops. This could be done by a new statutory tort, a voluntary industry led compensation scheme or a statutory industry funded redress mechanism. The consultation does not have organic specific recommendations as it believes that a system should be put in place that would satisfy organic and all other farmers. The consultation will run for 12 weeks and close on 22^nd September.  The consultation document can be obtained from WAG or by clicking here.  Our summary powerpoint presentation can also be downloaded below.

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