OIREACHTAS AGRICULTURE COMMITTEE:THE GOVERNMENT'S anti-GMO (genetically modified organisms) policy is "misguided, unsustainable, and counterproductive", bio-technology company Monsanto has told the Oireachtas Agriculture Committee.
The commitment in the programme for government to keep Ireland GM-free was damaging the agriculture industry, and had badly served farmers and consumers, the multinational food science company said.
Irish farmers should demand the right to choose GM seeds and products, said Monsanto business manager Patrick O'Reilly.
"It is time that Irish farmers were given the right to choose. Millions of others around the globe have been and are reaping the rewards. Otherwise the decline in Irish farmers and the production of Irish food will be further exacerbated."
Mr O'Reilly criticised the anti-GM lobby as "fear-mongers" who had caused unnecessary public concern and confusion by misrepresenting the facts about GM foods.
However, Michael O'Callaghan of the GM-Free Ireland Network referred the committee to several different surveys, including one by Teagasc, who are in favour of the use of GMOs, which showed that Irish public opinion was opposed to the use and cultivation of GM crops and ingredients.
The importation of GM seeds and crops for use in biofuel posed a significant risk to Irish agriculture, said Mr O'Callaghan as, even though these crops were not being grown in Ireland, the risk of contamination was high.
"Even a handful of seeds accidentally sprinkled could spread rapidly and lead to contamination across the country."
Similar risks existed with the importation of GM pharmaceutical crops. "There have been calls for the use of GM pharmaceutical crops; we think that is the height of madness to be frank."
He said food supplies could easily become contaminated with crops containing anti-coagulants and/or HIV drugs. "The risk of that taking place is unacceptable."
Prof David McConnell, a geneticist at Trinity College Dublin, said he had been using GM technology since 1971, and it was "the overwhelming case that GMs are safe and valuable".
He said the programme for government policy of having a GM-free Ireland was impossible and made no sense scientifically, environmentally or economically.
"GM technology is highly regulated and it is safe and valuable to Irish farmers, processors and consumers."
