THE next meeting of Chipping Campden Debating Society takes place on Saturday and promises to be a lively affair, with different members of an extended farming family clashing over whether genetically modified crops should be grown in the UK.

Proposing the motion that, “The use of GM crops is essential to meet the needs of an increasing world population” will be Liz Hodges, wife of Campden farmer and agricultural contractor David Hodges.

Opposing the motion will be Richard Young, a farmer from Broadway, cousin of David and godfather of David and Liz’s son William.

Liz and Richard have locked horns before on this issue and both still hold strongly opposing views.

Margaret Clayton, secretary of the debating society said: “This is a very important issue which will affect us all in the coming years and I urge everyone with an interest to come along and take part in the debate.”

Mrs Hodges will argue that GM crops are essential to meet the challenge of feeding a growing world population.

Mr Young will argue that far from increasing food production and helping the starving millions, GM crops pose unacceptable risks.

The debate takes place in Chipping Campden Church Rooms, starting at 8pm.