Members of an anti-genetically modified crops group in Wivenhoe are to attend a meeting looking at a product which has been trialled in the area for the last two years.

Concerned Residents of Wivenhoe (CROW) has campaigned against the trials of the genetically modified maize carried out at Sunnymead Farm, Alresford Road.

They predict a third and final year of trials will again take place there this year and an official announcement is expected in three months time as to whether this will be the case.

Now representatives will travel to London to attend the meeting of the advisory committee on releases to the environment (ACRE), which will be looking at the maize in detail.

Roger Mainwood, spokesman for CROW, said: "We believe this type of GM maize should not be allowed onto the national seed list."

Despite not being able to speak themselves during the meeting, there will be a number of key witnesses to present their concerns including Dr Sue Mayer of Genewatch.

Published Tuesday, February 19, 2002