Documents outlining the project came to light through an access to information request by Ottawa researcher Ken Rubin.

His message to government:

"You put the cart before the horse. You didn't have a proper approval system if you didn't know what you were doing in environmental release. And now you're coming back and examining issues which you should have done (earlier)."
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Study to examine if GM crops ruin farm soil
Ottawa Citizen
June 11, 2003
$600,000 study to examine if GM crops ruin farm soil: Effect of modified plants has never been probed
By Tom Spears

Canada is investing nearly $600,000 to learn whether genetically modified crops -- already approved and grown for years on thousands of Canadian farms -- are ruining farm soils.

The big question is whether GM crops are passing on their genes to the natural underground microbes that make soil productive by breaking down dead plants and helping live plants absorb vital nutrients.  Somehow, this has never been tested, even though genetically modified corn, soybeans, canola and other major crops have been approved for commercial growing across Canada.

In 2000, genetically modified crops were planted on some 40 million hectares of land in Canada, the U.S. and Argentina, and their use has grown since then.

Now, a University of Guelph professor of plant agriculture will begin the hunt for possible genetic danger to farms.  "If the use of GM crops continues to grow in Canada, it is imperative that we understand the environmental consequences," Clarence Swanton writes in a summary of his project.

The farmers who grow these crops are supporting his work, saying they too need answers.  "We would like to ascertain that we are not compromising the long-term sustainability of our soils or causing genetic alteration of beneficial soil organisms," says a letter from the Ontario Soybean Growers.

At Guelph, Mr. Swanton will focus on two Roundup Ready crops. These are corn and soybeans with an added gene that makes them resistant to Roundup, a common weedkiller. Farmers can plant Roundup Ready corn, spray Roundup herbicide, and kill everything in the field except the corn.

But bacteria, viruses and other microbes are adept at picking up genes from other beings they meet, from humans and animals to other bacteria.

Mr. Swanton's proposal says some scientists are afraid that inserted genes might pass into the soil microbes, with unknown results.  "However, no scientific evidence exists to either support or refute this claim," it says.

That's what his lab will be examining for the next four years, using Roundup Ready corn and soybeans.  It points out that the Royal Society of Canada -- a national scientists' group -- called in 2001 for "more rigorous scientific scrutiny" of biotech products, including research on what happens to specially inserted genes once they get into soil.

The funding comes from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council, Canada's federal science funding body.

Documents outlining the project came to light through an access to information request by Ottawa researcher Ken Rubin.

Canada set up a regulatory system that includes studies on environmental effects of genetically modified crops some 10 years ago, said Mr. Rubin, an organic farmer. His message to government:  "Now on corn and soybeans, two main crops which you've approved, you're suddenly saying, 'Gee, we'd better look at all the environmental factors which we didn't (look at) before approval.'

"You put the cart before the horse. You didn't have a proper approval system if you didn't know what you were doing in environmental release. And now you're coming back and examining issues which you should have done (earlier)."

"The whole controversy is over what the altered genetics will do to the environment."
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GM NATION - HOW TO GET INVOLVED
ideas and more here:
http://www.fiveyearfreeze.org/indexb.htm

GENERAL PUBLIC DEBATE
You can submit your views via
http://www.gmpublicdebate.org.uk/dz_08/index.asp

Remaining regional meeting:
Harrogate: 13 June

People are also being encouraged to hold their own local meetings. If you want to organize a meeting the Five Year Freeze can help supply you with leaflets, and support, please call 0207 837 0642.

If you are able to attend a meeting and are willing to take materials along with you please call us on 0207 837 0642.

More information available at
http://www.gmpublicdebate.org.uk/

Freeze info: http://www.fiveyearfreeze.org/indexb.htm

SCIENCE REVIEW
A GM science review where the more technically interested can submit views (you don't have to be a scientist)
http://www.gmsciencedebate.org.uk/

ECONOMIC REVIEW
Looks at the overall costs and benefits associated with the growing of GM crops, including their effect on conventional and organic farming interests. http://www.strategy.gov.uk/2002/GM/summ.shtml