GROWING fears have been expressed following the revelation that experiments with genetically modified crops are to take place on farm land near Lymm.

Town leaders blasted the Government last week for failing to consult them over plans to carry out a controversial GM oil rape seed trial at Woolstencroft Farm at Agden, near Lymm.

And yesterday the Soil Association, which promotes organic methods of farming, entered the debate by voicing its concerns about cross pollination and the fact that too little is known about the effects of GM trials on the environment.

A spokesman for the charity, which has been campaigning against GM trials, said: "Our research suggests that cross contamination in oil seed rape could occur up to four miles away because pollen can be carried by both the wind and insects.

"We know that if the Government continues with these trials under voluntary regulations, which recommend separation distances well below this, there is a very real chance of cross pollination occurring. We just don't know what the long-term effects will be."

Jackie Lees, owner of Cheshire Organics, Lymm, which deals in organic produce, also expressed concern over the trials. She said: "GM trials worry me personally and they are not something I would support.

"There should have been more information available about these trials."

The Woolstencroft Farm trial will gauge whether growing herbicide-tolerant GM crops affects biodiversity. The first mutant seeds could be planted as early as the end of the month.

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