Sir, – The decision of the Environmental Protection Agency to grant permission for the deliberate release of a GM potato line into the environment is, to say the least, irresponsible for many reasons. 1. Political: The multinationals have got their way and in their global marketing will now add Ireland as one of the countries that sees no problem with GM foods. 2. Scientific: Nobody knows all the consequences of GM pollution. There are likely effects on insect life, eg bees, that cannot be controlled and ringfenced to the five-acre plot. The consequential risk for Ireland’s food business are much greater than any potential benefits. 3. Strategic: Huge investments have been made in building the island’s reputation as a green clean good food island by Fáilte Ireland, Aer Lingus, Bord Bia, Diageo, Irish Distillers, Northern Ireland tourist board and many others. This strategic benefit is being devalued and undermined by policies that pander to the owners of unproven patented technologies that can cause unforeseen consequences to the environment and Ireland’s future as a pristine producer. – Yours, etc,
Sir, – It is very disappointing to see that the Environmental Protection Agency has given permission to Teagasc to grow genetically engineered potatoes (Home News, July 27th).
An accurate and indepth analysis of the issues in relation to genetically engineered crops is urgently required in the face of the real possibility that Irish agriculture may be going down a route that is uncharted and largely unwanted.
Genetic engineering is based on an outmoded concept of the “one gene – one trait” model. Modern research has established that no gene works in isolation and that the effect of a gene is dependent on its interaction with other genes and on its surroundings.
In relation to increasing food production in poorer countries, people are hungry today not because they lack genetically engineered crops, but because of economic, social and political issues.
Finally, report after report shows that the consumer does not want genetically engineered food. Our green image will be lost if Ireland adopts this technology. Our environment will suffer and there will be no bailout possible. – Yours, etc,
Sir, – If we had had blight resistant potato varieties in 1845, we would have a nicer, kinder and less painful history. – Yours, etc,