Genetically modified crops are important for all Irish farmers — but maybe not for the obvious reasons.

Animal feed merchants have warned that price levels could become unsustainable for intensive livestock farmers.

There are some thing you can be sure of — such as death, taxes and weather.

EUROPEAN Union talks on accepting a 0.1% level of genetically modified (GM) material in animal feed are expected to resume on February 22.

THE Irish Grain and Feed Association (IGFA) yesterday called for early action by the European Commission to tackle escalating prices of animal feed.

FODDER deliveries were on the way last evening to farms isolated by the severe flooding in parts of Co Galway.

EUROPEAN animal feed producers have warned farmers that prices may increase significantly at very short notice, due to the EU’s zero tolerance of traces of unapproved genetically modified (GM) crops in imported feeds.

THE delay in the reopening of the country’s main pig processing plants led to a protest by farmers outside the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food yesterday.

TO REIN in the food price inflation of 9.6%, the Government is relying on competition in the grocery market and better consumer awareness of how to get the best value for money.

THE ANIMAL feed industry has warned Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Minister Mary Coughlan that Ireland faces up to €40m of extra costs unless the EU decision to reject imports of genetically modified Herculex maize can be reversed.

ENVIRONMENT Minister John Gormley’s statement that Ireland’s position on Genetically Modified Organisms is now in line with the new programme for Government, which seeks a GM-free Ireland, sets the stage for the air to be cleared on this subject once and for all.

Ireland: Production of animal compound feeds is estimated to have fallen by 3% to 3.7 million tonnes last year from the record level achieved in 2002, the Irish Grain and Feed Association said yesterday.