The Supreme Court of India has recently lifted restrictions on their field trials. However the court has asked firms to seek permission from the regulatory body - Genetic Engineering Advisory Committee (GEAC) - for any fresh trials, including open field trials. The court pointed out that the fear - that GM food crops could be hazardous  for  bio-safety and the environment - could not be a ground for restricting  the research in a country like India, which has millions to feed. The SC also asked GEAC to keep all aspects of the fallout of the field trials in mind before granting permission for further research. Read more....       

Wales fixes liability for contamination

The Welsh Assembly Government which is responsible for many issues, including health, education, economic development, culture, the environment and transport has moved a draft bill to keep genetically modified crops out of Wales. The draft Environmental Damage (Prevention and Remediation) (Wales) Regulations 2008 are designed to implement the European Environmental Liability Directive, which imposes a financial liability for any environmental damage caused by the planting of GM crops. Consumer groups have welcomed the move. 

In England on the other hand, although the government recognizes that GM contamination is potentially harmful, its draft regulations do not pin liability on the operator or

permit holder in cases of environmental or economic damage. While Green groups in Wales have welcomed the draft bill, they have described the new English Regulations as a disaster.

Highlights of new draft regulations:

1. Permit holders will be held liable for local contamination as will the operators who plant and harvest GM crops.

2. Operators who cause damage will not be able to claim immunity on the basis that they held a permit or consent for the release of GMOs from a "competent authority" or from any other EU body.

3. If extensive damage is caused by GMOs, the GM company which developed the crop is deemed to be liable for all types of environmental damage (biodiversity, water, land) and the rules of strict liability will apply.

4. In cases where damage is proved, the GM permit holders and operators will have to meet all costs which might otherwise be borne by the taxpayer.

5. Protection is afforded to all natural habitats and sites of special scientific interest in Wales.

6. Where GM crops directly or indirectly harm water bodies, streams and rivers, the permit holder and operator will be held responsible.

7. Local authorities in Wales may be able to act as "agents" for the Welsh "competent authority" in identifying GM contamination incidents and in taking enforcement action. Read more...