From another report: "Beekeepers said yesterday government plans to test
genetically modified crops at farm-scale level could jeopardise their
industry, after laboratory tests showed samples of shop-bought honey had been
contaminated by genetically engineered pollen."

Press Association Newsfile
May 17, 2000, Wednesday
GM POLLEN TRACED IN HONEY, SAY CAMPAIGNERS
BYLINE: Amanda Brown

   Friends of the Earth has called for an immediate ban on the outdoor
testing of genetically modified oilseed rape and maize after shop-bought
honey was found to contain GM pollen.
   FoE said the honey was bought in an area where GM crops were grown last
year.
   The British beekeeping industry is taking steps to ensure that its honey
is free from GM contamination and has advised members to move hives at least
six miles from the nearest GM trial site.
   However, if GM crops get full commercial approval, the location of the GM
sites will not have to be made public and beekeepers won't be able to move
their hives.
   The honey bought by Friends of the Earth was sent to Austria for analysis.
   Two samples - one from a jar of honey and one honeycomb, were found to
contain "genetically modified components".
   Friends of the Earth last year discovered GM oilseed rape pollen in
beehives over two and a half miles from the nearest GM trial site.
   The group also said the discovery of honey containing GM pollen confirmed
fears that GM crops threatened the livelihoods of neighbouring farmers and
beekeepers.
   Despite this, GM farmers are under no obligation to consult neighbouring
farmers and beekeepers about the trials, and the Bee Farmers Association of
the UK - which represents 350 commercial bee farmers throughout the country,
has not been consulted about the siting or potential impact of GM sites.
   FoE said as well as the failure to consult, liability for any GM pollution
of honey has not been resolved.
   Beekeepers are not compensated for the extra work and expense of moving
their hives or for the loss of contracts.
   The UK beekeeping industry produces an estimated £10 million worth of
honey annually, but the value of pollination of fruit and other crops is 20
times more valuable.
   In a statement the Bee Farmers Association said it was concerned about the
long term implications of GM crops, not only for honey but also the very
important pollination work carried out by bees for the fruit and vegetable
industry, currently worth £200 million to the country.
   If hives were moved a safe distance from any GM crop trial site, then bees
would also be unable to pollinate other crops within that vicinity.
   This could affect the livelihood of many commercial bee farmers and, as
yet, there has been no consultation by Government or any offers to compensate
them.

From The Times (London)
May 17, 2000, Wednesday
Beehives alert over 'GM pollution'

BYLINE: Valerie Elliott
   BEEKEEPERS have been told to move their hives six miles from genetically
modified crop trial sites after shop-bought honey was found to contain GM
pollen.
   The instructions were issued by the Bee Farmers' Association and the
British Beekeepers' Association after honey bought by Friends of the Earth
was found to contain "genetically modified components". Beekeepers are
determined to save their industry and to maintain consumer confidence in
British honey by keeping the product GM-free.
   They know that bees will travel up to four miles for pollen and so the six
mile zone has been set as the safest minimum distance from modified crops.
They are seeking talks with ministers and demanding to be consulted about the
siting of GM trials.
   In particular they fear that if GM crops get commercial approval, the
Government will not have to make the sites public and bee-keepers will never
know if their honey is at risk of contamination.
   Beekeepers' associations are also calling for compensation for the extra
costs and work of having to move their hives away from the trial sites.
Liability for the GM pollution of honey is also unresolved.
   The demand for hives to be kept six miles away from modified crops is also
backed by the Honey Association, which represents packers and importers.
Supermarkets have made clear to them that they want to ensure products are
GM-free and have asked for the six-mile limit.
   The Department of the Environment said that the GM quantities involved
were "minuscule" and the Government's Advisory Committee on Releases to the
Environment had concluded there was no threat to human or animal health.
Friends of the Earth refused to name the beekeepers involved.