THE recent GM debate meetings in Marlborough and Ramsbury, held as part of the government debate, showed the wide-ranging concerns that exist about the prospect of growing GM crops here a decision that the government will be taking soon.

There are many unanswered questions relating to the environmental impact but already evidence presented by the president of Canada's National Farmers, Union, shows that the promised benefits are short-lived.

There, farmers are having real problems with herbicide-resistant weeds and are resorting to heavier more chemical use.

We know that GM DNA from this food combines with human gut bacteria after being eaten but we do not know what the long-term effects this might cause because the research has not been done.

There is still just time to respond online to thisgovernment debate on www.gmnation.org.uk where there is also information containing the key issues surrounding GM.

Jo Ripley

Devizes and Marlborough

Friends of the Earth