We need to examine importance of GM food

JOSEF FINKE’S misleading letter on genetically modified (GM) food gives the false impression that “keeping Ireland a GM-free country” was something protected by the Green party (Feb 17).

However, the Greens in Government never prevented the importation of GM food or feed into Ireland.

In fact, in a complete U-turn on their election promises in 2007 the Green Party stated a “GM-free policy” is “not about banning imported GM feed”. Moreover, Ireland became a GM country in the last millennium when GM crop trials were allowed at several sites.

Contrary to Mr Finke, the so-called “GM-free” elements of the last Programme for Government were an utter farce.

It showed to the world that science policy in Ireland regarding strategic new technologies can be reduced to simple, backroom horse-trading politics without any meaningful democratic consultation with sectors of society (eg, innovators, farming, agri-food industry, forestry, bioenergy, consumers) whose livelihoods, competitiveness and quality of life will be negatively affected due to political myopia on GM issues.

The next Government needs to establish a forward and outward-looking advisory committee on GM technology so that it can develop evidence-based policies in a democratic manner in this area that is of strategic importance to Ireland’s society, environment and economy.

Shane Morris

Department of Botany and Plant Science

NUI

Galway