FORMER MINISTER of State with responsibility for food Trevor Sargent has said the contents of a report on the dangers of herbicides used on genetically modified crops highlights the need for GM-free labelling in Ireland.
Herbicides frequently used in conjunction with genetically modified (GM) soya are highly toxic and can cause damage to human health, according to the findings of GM Soy Sustainable? Responsible?,a summary of scientific studies published in Brussels last week.
The report was compiled by an international coalition of scientists and funded by GLK Gemeinschaftsbank – a German bank which focuses on cultural social and ecological initiatives – and Austrian NGO ARGE Gentechnik.
The findings indicate that GM soy and the herbicide used on it are unsustainable from the point of view of human health, farming and the environment. Glyphosate, a chemical commonly used on GM crops, damages human embryonic cells and placental cells when exposed to concentrations below those recommended for agricultural use, the study found.
Calling for the introduction of GM-free labelling, Mr Sargent said that in repeated surveys “over 60 per cent” of European citizens reject GM food and “a massive market opportunity exists” for Irish GM-free produce.
He called on grain importers to ensure availability of GM-free soya and said feeding animals GM-free feed would cost an additional 3c per kilo in the retail price of pork or 2c in the price of chicken.
The programme for government contains a commitment to declare Ireland a GM-free zone. While this is not possible under EU law, the European Commission announced in July that it will be introducing legislation which would allow member states to declare themselves to be GM-free. The legislation is now awaiting first reading in the European Parliament.
