NATIONAL park bosses have agreed to debate whether the Lake District should become a GM free zone.

Members of the national park authority were responding to an appeal from an environmental campaigner who said the move would be good for wildlife, farming, and the tourism industry.

Marianne Bennett, of South Lakeland and Furness Friends of the Earth, told members of the park authority that the UK was entering a "decisive moment" as far as GM crops were concerned.

Although the Government had committed itself to organic farming, it was also contemplating the commercialisation of GM crops, which Mrs Bennett claimed could wipe out organic farming and jeopardise ordinary farming.

"It's up to people like us to make sure this dangerous technology isn't introduced into the Lake District," she told the meeting.

Mrs Bennett said the proposal had the backing of Cumbria Wildlife Trust and Cumbria Organics.

The issue was relevant, she said because, although the Lake District was a livestock area, proposed GM crops that could be introduced included livestock feed like GM maize and beet. GM maize was resistant to herbicides that could be harmful, and would be licensed for use with the crop, she claimed.

Mrs Bennett, who is also a member of Milnthorpe Mothers say no to GMOs', said lessons could be learned from North America where GM crops had caused controversy.

A UN report also disputed the idea that GM crops were necessary to feed the world, she said.

Mrs Bennett asked members to consider applying under a European directive to designate the Lake District National Park a GM free area.

"The Lake District does have this rich heritage of local food production, and organic and specialist products, and I feel a GM free Lake District would be a valuable asset for the wildlife, and valuable for local food production and the tourism economy."

Members agreed to refer the issue to the policy and verview committee for discussion.

l Mrs Bennett said for more information on the issues, or to find out how to make their views known, people could e-mail her at gmfreecumbria@mariannebirkby.plus.com or by phone on 015395-63671.

January 10, 2003 14:00