Farmers: Trial sanction ‘short-sighted’

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.

Opponents to Teagasc’s planned project at Oak Park in Carlow insist there is no “market for GM foods amongst European consumers, who have consistently said they won’t buy such food”.

The Irish Organic Farmers and Growers Association’s general manager, Gillian Westbrook, said: “Ireland produces enough food to feed 36 million people, with most of its food exports going to the EU.