CLAIMS that genetically modified crops grown by a rebel farmer near Hay-on-Wye were fed to neighbouring animals have been refuted by the local authority.

Trading standards officers in Powys started investigations in January after agricultural consultant Jonathan Harrington controversially claimed to have planted two types of Spanish GM maize despite a blanket ban on GM produce from the Welsh National Assembly.

The Tregoyd resident said it was in protest of an assembly refusal to discuss the issue and later met with locals to express his belief that GM plants could help tackle potential food shortages predicted globally by 2030.

But Powys County Council said it found no evidence that GM crops were circulated to any farms in the county or consumed by stock after numerous complaints regarding cross contamination were received.

Councillor Graham Brown, board member for public protection, said: “This was a serious claim which caused considerable concern in the farming community and was fully investigated by officers.”

Mr Harrington appeared at The Globe in Hay this March to explain how GM crops had helped developing countries like Nigeria and Kenya after the Welsh Assembly announced tougher measures would be introduced on firms and farmers that continued to undermine Wales’ ambition to become GM free.