County Council Cabinet enters GM debate

Cumbria County Council’s Cabinet will consider whether to declare Cumbria “GM free zone” when it meets on the 8th July. The debate follows a request made by Friends of the Earth to the County Council on 22 May. The Cabinet will consider the practical and legal possibilities and then make a recommendation to the Council, which will be considered on the 24th July. 

Lawson Short, Cabinet Member for the Environment explains:   

“The whole approach to GM food and crops is an issue that needs serious and reasoned thought. At present there are very few, GM foods imported into Europe and only a small number of GM crops are licensed for commercial production. The Government and the EU will decide later this year whether to allow the widespread planting of GM crops and more imports of GM food.     

It is important therefore, that we consider how we should develop policies to reflect the aspirations and needs of Cumbria. Whilst our legal advice is that we have the power to declare Cumbria GM free there are no effective enforcement powers. The Government has launched a national debate on the issue and this Council is also undertaking a public opinion survey.      

The outcome of the debate at Cabinet and the results of the public survey will be reported to the Council who will then decide on a position when it meets in Kendal on the 24th July.”