RICS Calls For GM Land
Register To Protect The Consumer
23/02/05
Public concern regarding GM (Genetically Modified) crops is a
mounting issue as demonstrated by the GM-free Britain lobby of
Parliament taking place on Wednesday 23rd February. There is a
growing sentiment that the public have the right to know where
crops are coming from and whether or not they are GM-free.
According to Brian Berry, Head of Land Policy, Royal Institution
of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), 'The only way to allay growing public
concern about genetically modified crops, as evidenced by the GM-free
lobby of Parliament on 23 February, is to have a system in place
to record where GM crops are grown. Only then will the consumer's
right to choose be protected.'
The RICS' proposal for the creation of a web-based GM Land Register
offers advantages to all parties, both pro and anti GM:
simple, cost efficient and minimises red tape for farmers as well
as producers of GM crops
provides genuine consumer and producer choice in the consumption
and growing of GM, non-GM and organic crops as well as offering
a practical and implementable system to ensure the full traceability
of approved and future location of GM crops and details of crops
grown
benefits professionals involved in advising clients on the purchase,
sale, value, lease or management of land and property
others who will benefit include: prospective purchasers or lessees
of land and property looking for warnings on any possible issues
relating to their proposed transaction; those trading in non-GM
crops or organic crops,who need to make sure the product meets
the growers' claims; those regulators in the UK who monitor any
potentially beneficial or harmful effects of GM crops; financial
organisations lending money against the security of agricultural,
horticultural and other property; land owners and occupiers who
wish to comply with all the rules and codes of practice as a defence
against potential liability claims from neighbouring farmers and
others suffering loss or damage through cross contamination.
RICS is currently lobbying the Government to implement the GM
Land Register and is awaiting the publication of the Defra consultation
paper which will set out the Government's proposals on how best
to implement EU Directive 2001/18EC. This Directive places an obligation
on Member States to draw up a register for recording the location
of GM crops before the first commercial release of crops.
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