THE first commercial planting of GM crops in Britain could still be years away after it was made clear last night that the industry would have to foot the bill for any contamination of crops or land owned by other farmers.

Margaret Beckett, the Environment Secretary, permitted the planting of GM maize but imposed so many conditions that there will be no easy entry into the market for biotechnology companies and farmers.

The package appeared to be the result of some deft political footwork that will ensure that scenes of GM crops being planted in fields and high-profile protests by opponents will not coincide with next year’s anticipated general election.

The issue of liability is certain to ignite a furious argument with the GM companies, who have always resisted suggestions that they should be responsible for damages.

A spokesman for the Agricultural Biotechnology Council said that there was a will to negotiate, but he confirmed: “There will be no pot of money to be drawn from.”

It is also far from clear whether landowners and farmers will agree to planting unless there is full indemnity from seed companies because they fear a drop in land values and action from opponents.

The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors said last night that processing GM maize in Britain would be “the first step to mayhem”.

It is demanding a public register of all land used for GM planting so that people know its history and can trace GM crops. The information would also be used to help land sales and for farmers to raise loans on the value of their property.

The Government’s statement came in advance of any agreement on the separation distances required to allow GM farmers to coexist with conventional and organic producers. Pesticides and herbicides used to treat the GM crops must also be approved by the European Union.

All devolved authorities must sign up to the inclusion of the GM maize variety known as Chardon LL on the national seed register.

Yet it was made clear last night that the Welsh Assembly would not give this backing until all the changes to the seed consent were approved by Brussels. Even then there would be further consultation with the people of Wales.

It is also possible that each of the devolved administrations could choose different separation distances, presenting more obstacles to GM cultivation.

A further problem for the industry is that even if liability and coexistence are agreed, commercial planting must follow the strict rules of the official GM trials and would be subject to surveillance by the Government’s inspectorate.

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