Farmers call for ban on imports of GM rape-seed oil

The Irish Cattle and Sheepfarmers Association has called on the Government to ban the importation of genetically modified rape-seed oil into Ireland.

The European Commission decided last month to allow imports of GM rape-seed oil made by the US multinational Monsanto.

The decision was made after the 25 EU member states failed to come to a consensus on the matter.

The ICSA has slammed the Irish Government for abstaining from a vote on whether to allow the imports, saying Irish consumers were vehemently opposed to GM foods.

Spokesman John Heney said: "Any time there's a survey of consumers, they say they do not want GM food on their plate, so it's totally inexcusable that our Government should go down the road of facilitating its introduction."