Report V

The report contends that genetically engineered (GM) crops, specifically Chardon LL, pose significant risks to human health, animal welfare, and the environment. It highlights the toxicity of the associated herbicide 'Liberty', criticizes the design of farm-scale trials and safety testing, and alleges systemic fraud and regulatory laxity in the UK and US. The authors argue that GM crops threaten biodiversity and soil carbon sequestration while primarily benefiting seed and chemical corporations.

• The herbicide 'Liberty' (glufosinate ammonium) used with Chardon LL is linked to birth defects, miscarriages, and reduced conception in experimental animals, as well as toxic effects on the human nervous system.
• Farm-scale trials for GM crops are criticized for poor design, as they may compare GM plants with 'equivalent' rather than parent non-GM varieties, introducing unnecessary variables. Observations from a February 2002 oilseed rape trial in Munlochy, Scotland, indicated that non-GM plants appeared distinctly healthier than GM plants.
• The report alleges widespread regulatory failure and scientific misconduct, noting that one in three UK scientists in government or recently privatized labs reported being asked to alter research findings. Additionally, the US National Academy of Sciences criticized the USDA for failing to adequately protect the environment from GM plant risks.
• GM crops are described as harmful to soil ecology and biodiversity. The document notes that soil organisms are essential for carbon sequestration to mitigate global warming, and suggests GM crops will eventually pollinate and pollute conventional and organic varieties.
• The authors argue that the primary beneficiaries of GM crops are the manufacturers of seeds and chemicals, who seek to consolidate control over the entire food chain.

APA

Scientists for Global Responsibility (2002). Report V. https://www.sgr.org.uk/resources/chardon-report-v-concluding-comments

Chicago

Scientists for Global Responsibility. Report V. 2002. https://www.sgr.org.uk/resources/chardon-report-v-concluding-comments.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |author=Scientists for Global Responsibility |title=Report V |date=May 2002 |url=https://www.sgr.org.uk/resources/chardon-report-v-concluding-comments |access-date=23 October 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{scientistsforglobalresponsibility2002report, author = {{Scientists for Global Responsibility}}, title = {{Report V}}, institution = {Scientists for Global Responsibility}, year = {2002}, month = may, url = {https://www.sgr.org.uk/resources/chardon-report-v-concluding-comments}, urldate = {2026-10-23}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }