Nick Charrett took part in genetiX harvest: a weekend of training and action on September 19/20th . Here's his experience

As Londoners coming out of the massive urban sprawl it was good to see people from all round the country turning out, not only did it make you think that you're not the only people fighting the genetiX monster but you could enjoy the feeling of solidarity that helps give you power to go back to your patch and carry on.

The training day involved much group work which I thought was quite a good way to help break the ice and prepare for the action the following day. Preparation included role playing, which I found quite challenging, and it made me think about how I react in confrontational situations and how it differs from how I'd like to react!

On the day of the action it reminded me a little of hunt sabbing; bundled in vans sneaking around the countryside watching out for police with that pre-action buzz. When we arrived at our friendly GM farm (at AgrEvo, East Wynch Farm, Kings Lynn) we discovered to our pleasure that there wasn't many police. Some of our infinity group discussed our intentions with them while other groups climbed over the fence to the trial sites.

Eventually we left for the fields as more police arrived. Whilst there were no crops above ground it was good to be there at the source of this madness and I was surprised at the anger I felt. Our infinity group then carried out our planned ritual and planted flower seeds all round the plot and eventually we left. At the end of the day it was a little disappointing that there were no plants above ground but it was a positive action and it proved effective in media terms including coverage in a news feature on Channel Four.

Feeling enthused after the weekend a few of us helped by the guiding hands of Rowan from the core group arranged a meeting at Kings Cross. London genetiX snowball was born. Our first action on October 31st - Halloween was outside of the head offices of food giant Unilever in Blackfriars. We symbolically returned sacks of GM soya beans and a massive packet of their Beanfeast product suitably labelled 'Beanfester'. We're now taking our actions to the supermarket and in December toured seven Sainsbury's stores leafleting shoppers. The snowball keeps rolling!

London genetiX snowball meets twice a month (see local group contacts)

Editors Note: Nick's use of 'infinity group' rather than 'affinity group' has been retained.