Harvesting evidence

Teagasc is conducting a trial study on GM potatoes so that all stakeholders can make an informed decision based on factual information, says Ewen Mullins

IN LATE July, the Environmental Protection Agency gave consent to Teagasc to start its field-based research study of a GM potato variety which, in separate European studies, has displayed durable resistance to potato late blight disease.

The goal of the study is to research the impact of the GM (genetically modified) potato on the blight disease itself and on soil organisms, which are essential to maintaining soil health.