GM-free zone? It's up to you!

Twelve local authorities have declared themselves 'GM-free zones', representing the concerns of consumers in their area.

Concerns that playing with nature could have serious health or evolutionary effects has not been supported or dispelled by research, leaving consumers none-the-wiser.

A presentation from the Sussex GM Forum at Monday's council meeting introduced the idea of becoming GM-free to Rother councillors.

The Regeneration and Environment Scrutiny Committee may now chose to look into becoming GM-free, if public opinion seems strongly in favour of it.

The action minimises involvement in GM foods while pushing for more research.

Council contractors such as school and hospital caterers within GM-free zones don't use GM products.

Many contractors decided against using GM products when the scientific debate hit the news last year.

Current abstainers include East Riding, Rydale, Shropshire, Somerset, South Hams District, York City, South Gloucestershire, Cornwall, Devon, Cumbria, Warwickshire and Wales.

Brighton and Hove City Council will debate the issue later this month and could bring the GM-free buffer to the south coast.

David Jonas made clear the reasons GM has supporters.

Genes were introduced to crops to make them herbicide tolerant and insect resistant, making for less damage and loss and cutting spending on pesticides.

Such advances are viewed by some as a positive step for crops in third-world countries which lose up to 40% of crops due to pest damage every year.

But despite the fact some parts of the world have been eating GM food for years - North America up to six years - little is known about what effects they could have on human health and natural plant evolution.

Insect resistant crops contain a toxic gene which kills insects: some opposers worry it might effect human health.

If the council chooses to follow up the ban, a typical motion used by other counties includes the council officially recognising:

p GM of crops is a relatively new branch of science and technology which scientists still debate the safety of

p The commercial growing of GM crops presents problems that have not yet been properly addressed. For example, third world GM farming does not address trade imbalance.

p The District will, so far as is possible, be kept free of GM crops and GM food and feed.

p the GM issue is of particular concern to residents and are of particular importance to the protection of the environment locally.

l WRITE to the Observer with your views on GM crops and foods. Is there a place for them in Rother?