Sir, It was a mistake to release the grey squirrel into the British countryside.

No one could have predicted the disastrous consequences for the native red squirrel, irreplaceably lost to most woodland throughout Britain.

There is, however, a ruthless drive to increase releases into the environment of not only non-native but also completely novel organisms through GM technology, the consequences of which can and have been predicted by many eminent scientists.

The Government's own conservation body, English Nature, has warned that using genetically modified crops "could increase these losses (of native flora and fauna) considerably".

There is no need for a crystal ball to know that genetically modified crops will:

l Jeopardise the safety and quality of our food - genes can act differently when moved from one species into another, creating new allergens and toxins.

l Endanger wildlife - many genetically engineered crops are resistant to specific highly toxic herbicides that are banned from widespread use.

GM crops are exempt from the ban and are sprayed before, during and after the growing season, killing a wide range of wild plants as well as insects, birds and other animals that depend on these plants for food and shelter.

l Deny food choice - the Government's own research says that contamination of organic crops by GM ones is " inevitable".

The special food report by The Westmorland Gazette (Taste of the Lakes, October 25) indicated that South Lakes has a rich heritage of local food production including many organic products.

The biggest threat to sustainable farming is the biotech industry but, looking on the bright side, one of the biggest threats to the biotech industry is organic farming, which does not need GM seed and accompanying chemicals.

A GM-free Cumbria would be a valuable asset not only for our wildlife but for the local food and tourist economy.

To find out more about making Cumbria GM free send an SAE to M.

Bennett, South Lakeland Friends of the Earth, 8 Chelsea Court, Milnthorpe, Cumbria LA7 7DJ.

Marianne Bennett

Milnthorpe