Controversial genetically-modified maize will be grown at two Essex sites in the latest round of Government tests.

Angry anti-GM campaigners have said they are committed to continuing their protests against the crop trials.

Sunnymead Farm, in Alresford, near Wivenhoe, farmed by Jim Dutton, has been used as a trial site for the past two years and will be used again. In addition, land in Weeley will also be used in the spring trials.

Sowing of the GM crop, the last year of the Government's three-year evaluation of GM maize, is expected to start in about six weeks.

The Government said all seeds in the trials have been through rigorous safety tests. The trials are aimed at investigating the effects on wildlife from using GM crops.

It said there would be no commercial growing of GM crops until the trials were completed and only then if the crops and associated farming practices were assessed as causing no unacceptable effects on the environment.

But Andy Abbott, of the Colchester GM Campaign, said: "There is a marked increase in eating GM food. The public realises that and does not want it."

Roger Mainwood, spokesperson for Concerned Residents of Wivenhoe, believed the game was up for growing GM crops in the UK.

"There is absolutely no demand for these crops. Insurers say it is impossible for any insurance company to provide cover for GM crops," he said.

Mr Dutton today declined to comment on his decision to take part in the trials.

Published Friday, March 15, 2002