A few years ago the Soil Association commissioned the UK National Pollen Research Unit to review the research on gene flow in maize, oilseed rape, sugar beet, wheat and potatoes. The final report was produced in January 2000. On the basis of this research they were able to advise on the necessary farm separation distances that would need to be used to prevent GM contamination: 3km for maize, 1km for sugar beet, 6km for oilseed rape, 500m for wheat and 500m for potato. The report can be found at www.soilassociation.org/pollenreport.

We would ask that the Science Review panel uses these papers in its examination of gene flow. We believe that for certain crops the levels of gene flow are such that co-existence of GM and non-GM crops is not possible and believe this conclusion should inform the decision on commercialisation.