Evening Press leader

Days after explaining his reasons for taking part in trials of genetically-modified crops, North Yorkshire farmer Carl Clayton has pulled out. Mr Clayton is one of two farmers to withdraw from the controversial scheme so far. The Government struggled to find sites for this latest round of tests; if many more landowners drop out then the trials will be scientifically unviable and must be called off.

That would be very good news. The British people do not want swathes of our countryside transformed into a giant open-air laboratory - particularly when the outcome of these experiments is uncertain and possibly unsafe.

Despite regular reassurances from the bio-technologists and the Prime Minister, public alarm remains widespread. We are worried because no one can predict how GM crops will react with the natural environment.

The scientists involved insist that our anxieties are silly and tell us, in their most patronising tones, not to worry. Similar 'expert' words of comfort were offered to the servicemen of the 1950s who were told to turn their backs on the nuclear test blasts and they would be all right.

Once genetically-modified crops are planted on British farms there is no going back. They become part of the food chain, however tightly the trials are controlled. We are powerless to reverse any unforeseen reactions.

The only people to benefit from these experiments are bosses of the American corporations who sponsor them. This country is not short of food. Most Britons would far rather the money spent on GM tests was used to boost organic farming. We want food freed from the grip of science rather than further in thrall to it.

The news that Mr Clayton's farm in Ulleskelf was to take part in the tests provoked a fierce protest from villagers. People are angry that the message is not getting through. We do not want GM crops. We want the field trials abandoned now.

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