GM animal feed spill could cost us dearly

MONSANTO’S genetically engineered ‘Round-up ready’ oilseed rape was recently approved by the EU Commission for import to Ireland. Although intended for animal feed, it is a viable seed that will inevitably spill at ports, storage depots and farms.

Being a brassica, it can cross-pollinate with other brassicas such as cabbage, kale, turnips, etc, resulting in Ireland losing its current GM-free status.

As well as resulting in contamination, when Irish farms will have to carry the GM label, it will put our farmers in danger of being sued for patent breaches by the biotech companies as a result of contamination from GM weeds.

This is not uncommon in Canada and the USA.

However, we can implement the safeguard clause directive which allows EU member states to ban specific GM products on safety grounds. We already have the least GM material of all EU states; we are geographically-isolated and have an Atlantic wind that lessens our danger of GM pollen contamination. Retaining our GM-free status would offer distinct environmental and economic advantages for Ireland.

Contamination from genetically engineered crops cannot be recalled if we decide in a year or two that we don’t want it. Let us not allow this issue to pass unnoticed.

Feidhlim Harty

FH Wetland Systems Ltd

Environmental

Consultants

Gaggin

Bandon

Co Cork