For the past 10 years the Sainsbury Laboratory at the John Innes Centre in Norwich have been researching GM techology to provide blight resistance in potatoes, so far they have been unsuccessful. Meanwhile a number of conventionally bred blight resistant potatoes have been developed which are already available on the market - such as the impressive Sarpo varieties developed by Savari Research Trust in North Wales.
Stop GM are organising a rally to oppose the continued use of public money to develop technology that is not only unpopular (all previous GM crops that have been granted a UK license have been abandoned due to lack of market) but also unnecessary. There are a number of interesting speakers planned, though the laboratory themselves have yet to respond as to whether they will be taking part in the debate. The rally will be followed by a day of workshops looking at a strategy for confronting the current PR surrounding GM technology as the solution to world hunger and climate change. For more information the potential dangers of these field trials in Norwich, see this GM Freeze briefing.
Noon, 23rd July 2011 - the Forum Norwich
Kindling will be organising transport down from Manchester on the Saturday morning - returning on the Sunday evening. The cost of transport will be £15 return and camping at the event will be £7 a head. If you want to book a place on the manchester bus please get in touch.