Wales set to ban GM crops

Proposals by the Welsh Assembly Government will effectively ban genetically modified crops from Wales.

New regulations, if adopted, will set Wales apart from England in applying a strict "polluter pays" principle that will put an end even to trial plantings.

GM companies have consistently resisted efforts to make them accept responsibility for "leaks" of GM material and Defra's proposals for England stop short of pinning liability on the operator or permit holder in the event of environmental or economic damage.

But in Wales the WAG proposals make GM companies like Monsanto and Bayer and the farmers who plant GM crops legally liable for contamination or "genetic trespass" – even if they have a licence and even if scientific knowledge at the time leads them to believe the material was harmless.

The move puts clear water between the administrations in Cardiff Bay and London and takes Welsh opposition to GM science to new levels.

"We have a particular commitment on GM," said Wales Rural Affairs Minister Elin Jones.

"It was reinforced by the One Wales Government programme last year where we have a commitment to ensure the maximum restriction of GM crops in Wales.

"We are now consulting on implementing regulations that reflect our aspirations and promoting the concept that the polluter pays."

The consultation period ends in mid-May, and Ms Jones said she did not foresee any particular difficulties in taking a different course from England, where GM crop farmers would become liable in the event of contamination on the Welsh side of the border.

"Border issues will arise along any boundaries between EU countries, but it's the right of this Assembly Government to exercise the powers we have to pursue our political aspiration," she said.

"This is supported by a number of environmental groups and certain farming interests also want us to retain our GM free status."