Firefighters in Cork county are responding in less than 10 minutes to one in three fires.

Irish beekeepers have welcomed an EU ban on three pesticides which are being blamed for the deaths of millions of bees worldwide.

Europe’s chief scientific adviser has claimed it is “unethical” not to use genetically modified crops in developing countries facing famine and malnutrition.

Organic farmers and anti-GM groups have described the EPA’s decision to sanction the growing of genetically modified potatoes in Ireland as irresponsible and short-sighted.

Ireland has been given the green light for genetically modified potato trials, despite our status as a GM-free Island, writes Oliver Moore

Teagasc hopes to begin trials on GM potatoes with enhanced ability to resist late blight, which is a significant threat to the crop.

BASF, the German chemical company, announced recently that the headquarters of BASF Plant Science, its biotech unit, would be moved from Germany to North Carolina in the US.

BioTector has seen exponential sales growth in recent years. With its patented technology advancing and a recent agreement with an international company, the Cork-based firm has high hopes for the year ahead, writes Trish Dromey

Berlin: Germany is bettering its European rivals in the race to harness Chinese growth as exports to the Asian nation begin to outstrip those to the US.

BASF, the world’s biggest chemical company, is in talks with potential buyers of its fertiliser units and has hired Morgan Stanley to handle the sale, according to sources.

THE Brazilian units of Anglo-Dutch oil giant Shell and Basf SE have been fined a total of 622 million reais (€279 million) after former workers suffered health problems because of contamination at a plant in Paulinia, Sao Paulo state, from the 1970s to 2002.

CULTIVATION of a genetically modified crop in the EU has been approved for the first time in 12 years.

A GENETICALLY modified potato, resistant to two antibiotics, has been approved for industrial use and animal feed after the European Commission said it was safe for people, animals and the environment.

THE bane of a “bad hair day” could soon be over as scientists believe they have got to the root of a problem that vexes millions of self-conscious women and men on a daily basis.

EU AGRICULTURE ministers will vote today on a highly controversial GM potato that, according to the World Health Organisation, could make people resistant to some antibiotics used to treat bacterial infections.

FINE GAEL is seeking a full debate on the GM issue “instead of government policy being determined by awkward attempts at consensus between Fianna Fáil and the Greens”.

EUROPEAN Union regulators won the right to approve a genetically modified potato made by BASF after governments were split, moving the EU closer to its first authorisation in nine years of a biotech food for cultivation.

GERMAN stocks gained for the first day in three, paced by BASF, Allianz and Deutsche Post after the companies reported earnings that topped analysts’ estimates.

GERMAN stocks declined, led by ThyssenKrupp, the nation’s biggest steelmaker, and BASF, the world’s largest chemical producer.

GERMAN stocks dropped yesterday, led by BASF and Bayerische Motoren Werke (BMW) after the companies said third-quarter profit declined.

A CANADIAN farmer who was involved in a lengthy legal battle with the bio-tech giant Monsanto, has warned Ireland to beware of what he described as the ‘new plague’ of genetically modified foods.

Russian President Vladimir Putin today said European demands for access to Russian energy assets were unfair.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is coming under pressure today to withdraw the licence it has granted for trials of genetically-modified potatoes in Co Meath.

The German chemical firm that received permission to grow genetically modified potatoes in Co Meath is reportedly considering abandoning the trials.

GIANT US retailer Wal-Mart is to use the Irish Stock Exchange to trade over €350 million in loan notes that fall due for redemption in 2011.

Opponents of GM foods have slammed the Environmental Protection Agency's decision to allow trials of genetically-modified potatoes in Co Meath.

The Environmental Protection Agency has approved controversial plans to grow genetically-modified potatoes in Co Meath.

THE CONTROVERSY over Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO) was re-ignited recently in Ireland.

THE Irish delegation to world trade talks included a representative of Monsanto corporation, the US firm pioneering genetically-modified (GM) crops, it was claimed yesterday.

Trials for genetically modified potatoes in Co Meath will ruin agriculture in the area, it was claimed today.

TODAY is the deadline for posting submissions to the EPA about the BASF chemical company’s plan to grow GM potatoes on five acres in Co Meath.

Environmental campaigners have expressed concern about the possibility of genetically-modified potatoes being grown in Ireland.

A strong run for the FTSE 100 Index came to an end today, despite the latest round of takeover speculation involving top-flight companies.

The London market paused for breath today at the end of a spectacular week of progress for the FTSE 100 Index.

Germany’s unemployment rate rose in November to the highest since December 1998 as business confidence fell to its lowest in more than a year and companies including BASF announced job cuts.

More than 90% of the mergers notified to the Competition Authority in 2003 were cleared at the first phase, a survey has revealed.

BASF AG and Dow Chemical Co, the world’s two biggest chemical makers, said first quarter earnings rose on higher demand for pesticides, electronics materials and basic chemicals such as ethylene.

Germany's BASF AG have not commented on the French government's decision to suspend the sale of its Regent insecticide, which may pose a danger to bees.