South Warwickshire GM Action Group
Telephone:
5/02/2002
Immediate release
Media Release
National Rally visits GM crop site in Warwickshire
On Saturday 9th March at 12.30pm, hundreds of people are expected to attend a national rally in Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire opposing the growing of Genetically Modified crops. Speakers will address the rally prior to it visiting a field of GM crops near the village of Long Marston, 5 miles away. A parade lead by musicians will leave the village at 2.45 to visit the GM crops, about 10 minutes walk away. Colourful costumes, banners and families with children will help to make it a peaceful demonstration.
The rally at Stratford will be addressed by Becky Price (Genewatch), Dr John Latham (genetic scientist and organic farmer), Christian Taylor (presenting the "Local Food Roadshow" of the International Society for Ecology and Culture), and Helena Paul (Econexus). Buses will transport those attending the rally to the village of Long Marston.
Genetically Modified oilseed rape is being grown at Forest Farm, Long Marston. Last year a survey carried out in the village showed that the majority of residents do not want GM crops. Scores of letters have been written to MPs, Local Authorities, and the farmer himself asking for the trial to be stopped. Local people held a well attended public meeting at the time of sowing in October to demand action from the Government and Aventis, the biotech company who manufacture the GM crops. The trial was even reported to the police for the criminal damage that could be caused through contamination of neighbouring crops rendering them unsaleable!
Mick Davies, Green Party Local Councillor said
"Public consultation about this trial � and trial sites across the country - has been pitifully tokenistic, considering the huge risks posed by GM crops to our own food and the wider ecosystem".
Media Contact: Jenny Sansom / Jane Green .....
or Tom Hellberg on ..
Editors notes
Directions to Long Marston Village Hall.
From M40, exit Junction 15 onto A46 to Stratford. Turn left at the A3400 island to Stratford. Turn right at first set of traffic lights on to the B439 sign posted to Bidford on Avon. Follow road until the left turn signposted to Welford on Avon.
From M5, exit at Junction 9 onto the A46. Turn right onto the B439 signposted to Bidford on Avon. Turn Right into Welford on Avon
Straight on to Long Marston. The Village Hall is on the left opposite the Mason�s Arms pub.
Picture Editors Notes
A photo opportunity of demonstrators in costumes with banners including a �Giant Bee� and �Giant DNA� will be held at 3.15 pm Saturday 9th March at Long Marston Village.