I DID not have a view on the merits or otherwise of genetically modified crops (GM) until I became aware of findings from the United State.

GM maize, soybeans and oilseed rape have been planted for eight years in the US, with the appalling result that 70 per cent of conventional varieties contain GM genes which have migrated from the GM fields to traditionally-farmed ones.

This means organic agriculture will be annihilated because what organic farmers plant will effectively be GM.

This is a 'clock' that can never be turned back.

The next generation of GM will be used to produce chemicals and pharmaceuticals, and there have been reports that a GM crop that produces an insecticide has caused health problems for nearby villagers.

Resistance to antibiotics may also be transferred to humans. The new GM plants might transfer drug production to conventional crops, meaning we would be medicating ourselves when we ate breakfast cereal.

Our Government's decision to plant GM must be reversed for the sake of a healthy population.

Chris Clayton,

Hempland Drive, York.

...THE Government seems worryingly oblivious to public concerns about GM crops.

Money talks and I think they will press ahead without research or debate for economic reasons along with the US. Until more independent tests are carried out it would be very foolish to pursue this because the health and environmental repercussions could be very dangerous.

N Fletcher,

Langton Road,

Norton, Malton.

Updated: 10:42 Friday, March 12, 2004