Angry reaction to GM potatoes go-ahead

Top names from the food, restaurant, and tourism sectors have sharply criticised the Environmental Protection Agency for potentially destroying Ireland’s “clean, green” agricultural image by allowing GM potatoes to be grown in Ireland.

The agency has given consent to the Department of Agriculture’s research arm, Teagasc, to carry out field trials on a genetically modified potato that could improve resistance to blight. The trial is to be carried out over the next four years, at Oak Park in Co Carlow, on an area up to two hectares.

Speaking as a member of Slow Food Ireland, the European Chef’s Association, Eurotoques, and the Taste Council, chef and owner of Ballymaloe House, Darina Allen, said she “felt so let down” by what she described as “a deeply regrettable decision”.