Teagasc says Europe’s opposition to GM research ‘profoundly regrettable’
Prof Boyle said GM technology has the potential to eliminate many of the risks associated with food production, notably in view of changing global climatic conditions.
“I have a huge interest in the development of agriculture in the emerging economies and I have no doubt that GM has a role to play in addressing hunger and malnourishment across the globe,” said Prof Boyle in an interview in the latest edition of Irish Farmers Monthly.
He also defended the research that Teagasc is undertaking into the development of blight- resistant potatoes. He said Teagasc favours giving consumers and food producers information to enable them to make informed decisions.
“Our researchers into potato blight resistance have engaged with every interested party to dispel fear and raise knowledge of what is involved. It would be a derogation of our duty if we did not engage in this research work,” said Prof Boyle.
The GM Potato ‘Amiga’ Study into blight resistance is now entering its second year at Teagasc’s Oakpark Research Centre in Carlow. Based on the first year’s data, the GM potato has demonstrated strong resistance to late blight infection.
Ongoing research is required to determine the durability of the resistance in the GM potato plants being grown at Oakpark.
