7 October 2000

All Wales Programme Action Study Day in Aberystwyth. Debate on Genetically Modified Crops - Good or Bad?

Aberystwyth University's Llanbadarn Campus provided a convenient venue for a meeting of Soroptimists from North and South Wales to debate a subject of considerable topical interest - Genetically Modified Crops. An impressive group of speakers had been brought together by Jennifer Hewlett, Chair Programme Action - Wales. The meeting was chaired by Olive Newton, SI Programme Co-ordinator for the Environment.

Noreen Yule (CNW and W), Raoul Bhambrai, Jennifer Hewlett,Olive Newton,
Professor Jones, RP Pat Rodway, Professor Pollack, Sue Challoner (CNW and W)

Both Jennifer Hewlett and Sue Challoner, Chair Programme Action for Cheshire, North Wales & Wirral welcomed the audience of around 70 representatives from seventeen clubs and were pleased that members from north and and south were able to come together for a Programme Action Study event.

SI Cardigan chatting with Professor Jones

The main speakers were Professor R N Jones, Genetics and Dean of Science at Aberystwyth University, Mr Raoul Bhambrai, Friends of the Earth, Cymru and Professor Christopher Pollack, Institute of Grasslands and Environmental Research.

Evelyn White with Raoul Bhambrai

The speakers effectively presented convincing arguments for and against the use of GM crops and foods. There were however some threads common to them all regarding the need for constant questioning on the part of the consumer and the importance of implementing good regulatory systems.

President elect Wales South Sadie Morton and IPP Marilyn Lawrie presented excellent views respectively for and against the Motion. Individual delegates will now go back to their clubs to report on a very stimulating and informative discussion.

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