John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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Question 119: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food if her attention has been drawn to the large number of farmers now erecting genetically modified free zone signs on their land around the country; and her views on whether, if this trend continues, Ireland will become known as a country free of genetically modified crops and will be able to market its produce accordingly. [14229/05]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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EU legislation, jointly adopted by the European Parliament and the Council, on the cultivation of GM crops specifically prohibits the unilateral declaration of a GM free country. There are, however, methods available to restrict the growing of GM crops within regions of a country. These include the concept of voluntarily developed GM free regions — a concept being explored by a number of regional communities and authorities throughout the Community and one which could be examined by communities within this country. Another option is to seek a derogation from the Commission that, on the basis of sound scientific evidence, co-existence is not possible in certain regions in respect of certain named crops. The cultivation of these crops can then be legitimately prohibited if the case made is accepted by the Commission.

The legislative framework on GMOs adopted by the European Parliament and Council of Ministers, and which is binding on all members states, provides for a series of controls along the whole supply chain which ensures that only food which meets the highest possible levels of safety is produced and marketed in this country.