Genetic modification - Our green image must be protected

The Environmental Protection Agency has agreed to Teagasc conducting trials on a genetically modified potato that would improve resistance to blight.

If such a potato had been available in the middle of the 19th century, the history of this country would have been significantly different.

Some of the greatest advances in science were initially ridiculed, and nobody should try to obstruct progress. But this must be done with the greatest of care.

Considerable concern has been expressed about the ecological impact of genetically modified crops, as well as the possibility of farmers’ livelihoods being destroyed. But there are parts of the world where people are starving and this country, with its history, should be the last to impede progress when it comes to food production.

Some people argue that genetic modification would provide for faster crop adaptation and offer a biological, rather than a chemical, way of increasing yields. This could impact on the price of food and thus on the livelihood of farmers, but there is something radically wrong with anyone who would suggest that starvation is good for the farmers.

This is about more than the livelihood of farmers. Ireland has a clean, green image when it comes to our food, and this has been a major selling point around Europe in recent years. Rigorous steps must be taken to ensure that this image is protected.

There must be joined-up thinking between Government and the various agencies on this issue. One department or agency can not go off on a solo run. If we are serious about developing our position in tourism and food, green is the way to go. We have that advantage already, and we must ensure it is not jeopardised.

Any genetic modifications should be undertaken with the utmost care, under the strictest of regulations. The country is in financial distress over the sloppy regulation of our banking system, so the conditions imposed by the EPA on the production two hectares of potatoes — at the Teagasc Crops Research Centre in Oak Park, Carlow — must be rigorously enforced.

Teagasc insists that it is determined that the necessary measures are implemented to ensure the conditions set by the EPA are fully implemented. The EPA must first be fully satisfied.