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 Saturday October 10, 1:02 PM

UK considering moratorium on genetic crops

By David Ljunggren

LONDON, Oct 10 (Reuters) - Britain said on Saturday it was considering a three-year moratorium on the commercial planting of genetically-modified (GM) crops, which environmentalists say could damage human health, plants and wildlife. English Nature, the government's chief environmental advisers, have recommended the three-year pause to allow further research into the possible harmful side-effects of GM crops, Environment Minister Michael Meacher told BBC radio.

"I do think English Nature's case does deserve very close scrutiny. We'll take a decision as soon as we reasonably and properly can, but this is a strategic decision of very great importance," Meacher said. Government officials held talks earlier in the week with biotechnology companies, environmentalists and other groups with an interest in GM crops.

"(The officials) will be reporting to me shortly on the outcome of their discussions and I and my fellow ministers...will then reach a decision as to whether or not there is a case for a moratorium," Meacher said in the radio interview.

He said the government wanted to see the results of research projects on the environmental impact of insect resistance, disease resistance and herbicide tolerance in GM plants.

"All of those will be completed in 1999 and 2000 and I do think it is extremely important that the indirect and cumulative effects which up to now have not received the full attention they might, (are) now centre stage," he said. Meacher also hinted that there would be tighter regulation if the commercial planting of GM crops was allowed.

"The question of the moratorium is not the only issue. We are looking extremely closely at the regulatory system. We do realise there is unquestionably very considerable public disquiet on this issue," he said.

Environmental campaigners say GM crops -- engineered to resist pests or tolerate extra herbicide -- could kill off the plants which act as food for birds, insects and animals. They also say more research is needed into the possible side-effects on human health of eating GM food.

Newspapers said the government had on Friday summoned the heads of biotechnology companies based in Britain, including the U.S. giant Monsanto , for talks about a voluntary code which would delay wide-scale planting of the crops till 2002.

"Some groups have said they want to move to a moratorium. The purpose of this meeting is to let both sides voice their opinions," the Independent quoted a Monsanto spokesman as saying. "Once these have been gathered, it is up to Mr Meacher to take a view. We had not planned commercial planting of crops till 2000," he said.

Meacher also said the government was considering whether to extend the remit of its advisory committee on releases into the environment and might establish a "stakeholder forum" grouping all those with an interest in GM crops.