Calls for laws to prevent release of GM crops here

THE Government has been urged to implement legislation to prevent the release of genetically modified (GM) crops on this island.

It has also been urged to protect Ireland’s reputation by promoting the use of certified non-GMO (genetically modified organism) animal feed in the production of meat, poultry and dairy produce.

The calls were made by European Parliament member Kathy Sinnott and GM-free Ireland’s Michael O’Callaghan.

They made the calls as more than 400 international delegates attended the Agricultural Biotechnology International Conference in University College Cork.

Opponents of GM crops, who staged a protest outside the opening session of the conference, said no long-term health studies justify the claims that GM food and animal feed are safe.

Ms Sinnott said the European Parliament supports the right of member states to ban GM crops as there is no market for GM food in Europe.

Lorcan Cribbin, commissioner general of Euro-Toques Ireland, said GM crops are grown on 0.02% of EU arable land, and are rejected by the majority of EU food brands, retailers and consumers.

In Ireland, 77% of consumers oppose the introduction of GM crops and 71% refuse to eat food containing GM ingredients under any circumstances, he said.

However, the conference chairman, Professor Jimmy Burke of Teagasc, said the science of biotechnology is good for society and the agricultural industry. Confidence should be taken from the fact that public health is protected by a very vigorous approval system.

“We now know from 30 years of international research and development that modern plants and food produced using biotechnology are safe,” he said.