A NEW third-level course in organic horticulture has been announced.

IRISH food interest groups have voiced their opposition to the European Patent Office’s (EPO) decision to grant food corporation Monsanto a patent on melon seeds which it has genetically modified.

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

GRACE Maher’s letter on genetically modified (GM) crops (June 24) is a great example of disinformation.

IN his article headlined ‘Future could be GM and nuclear power’ (June 2), Brian O’Mahony puts forward certain arguments that need further analysis.

IRELAND’s hesitation in declaring itself a GM-free zone is handing other EU farmers a marketing advantage on a plate, says the Irish Organic Farmers and Growers Association (IOFGA).

IRISH organic growers say new research that found their produce had no health benefits failed to take account of the cocktail of chemicals used in intensive farming.

THE Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) would like to clarify that the letter by Grace Maher of the Irish Organic Farmers and Growers Association (February 25) incorrectly stated that Dr Con O’Rourke is employed by the FSAI. Dr O’Rourke is an independent plant scientist who previously worked with An Teagasc. He has not held any position with the FSAI.

THE views expressed by Dr Con O’Rourke of the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) at their recent open forum on organic food showed the level of misconception and bias in Ireland about organic farming.