There was an air of despondency yesterday among those opposed to the introduction of genetically modified crop production to Ireland. That was obvious among followers of Genetic Concern, who are seeking a moratorium on such crops pending fuller clarification of their potential effects on human health and the environment.
They have legally challenged the Environmental Protection Agency's decision to permit a single trial in Co Carlow during 1997, which has yet to go to hearing. Yet they see the company being granted permission to proceed with five trials elsewhere for the next three years on sugar beet modified to be resistant to Monsanto's herbicide, glyphosate.
Mr Quentin Gargan, of Genetic Concern, is particularly aggrieved that an oral hearing was not granted, given that there were more than 3,400 objections to the company's most recent application to the EPA.
And Mr Derry Chambers, of Cork Environmental Alliance, said: "The lack of consultation with the public in the examination of this application leads one to believe that the commercial considerations of Monsanto are given precedence over the genuine health concerns of the public."
The demand for clear labelling of such foods has gathered momentum, forcing Monsanto to acknowledge the need for distinction from traditional products. Yesterday was one of the better days for the company. Not only did it get permission to expand its Irish trials, it coincided with the European Commission confirming that it is to allow access to the EU of four new varieties of modified crops, further indication that genetically modified food is here to stay.