GM fodder maize could soon be growing on farms all over Britain. The biotech firm Aventis (formerly AgrEvo) have asked for a GM maize known as T25 to get 'seed listing', which would allow widespread commercial growing.
   The government is planning to give the go-ahead. Organic farmers and beekeepers will be particularly at risk from GM pollen.
   The active ingredient introduced into T25 by genetic modification is known as PAT protein, taken from a rare soil bacterium found in Cameroon. This allows it to resist Aventis' Glufosinate Ammonium herbicide.

   FOE forced a public hearing last year, supported by 1800 groups or individuals, including Nottingham FOE.
   The hearing was suspended last November due to irregularities in the official evidence. Serious doubts were also raised about the scientific evidence. Aventis refused to defend their science. But the government still wants to press ahead.

   T25 maize is a cattle feed. But it has never been tested on cows. It was tested on chickens - causing a higher death rate which was ignored because not statistically significant!
   A top nutritional expert told the hearing "as a scientist I wouldn't drink milk from cows fed GM maize with the current knowledge".
   There have also been no official tests on growing T25 with the glufosinate herbicide it is designed to resist! Glufosinate has been banned for growing straw to be used for animal bedding because it is toxic and can get into milk and meat! It also damages the fertility of soil. And it kills fish and bees.