A Soil Association member from Aylton has written to the Government's biotechnology unit to express her "deep concern" over the proposed growing of genetically modified oil see rape at Kempley.

Sarah Blenkinsop, of The Moors, is calling for the trials to be scrapped before they start.

She said: "I grow my own vegetables organically and I've made a conscious effort to exercise my choice to avoid GM foods in my daily consumption of food.

"However, I have been given no choice in the matter of the trial at Kempley. I am also concerned that my wish to certify my smallholding produce as organic is now very probably going to cost me financially, as I will have to have an extra risk assessment carried out before I can be considered.

"For these reasons, I feel that these trials impinge upon my civil liberties."

Environment Minister Michael Meacher announced the trials last month.

Mrs Blenkinsop added: "The trials are being authorised to see what effect growing GM crops might have on farmland and wildlife. No one has stated what the Government will do if the threat does prove to be unacceptable to the environment."