Trevor Sargent (Dublin North, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 149: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food if her attention has been drawn to the fact that farmers, including organic farmers, have their markets and certification threatened by the importation of genetically modified seed even for feed purposes; and if she will urge farmers to do likewise against genetically modified crops in order that Ireland can be [i]de facto[/i] genetically modified free; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26467/05]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Pending agreement at EU level on labelling thresholds for GM seeds, a voluntary agreement exists among most of the member states which prohibits the importation of GM seeds. This agreement, which Ireland is party to, is underpinned by a requirement that each consignment of imported seed of what are deemed to be at risk crop varieties must be accompanied by a certificate from a reputable laboratory indicating that, in as far as it is detectable, GM seed is not present in the consignment being imported. The at risk crops are oilseed rape; beet; maize soya bean; cotton; and tomatoes.

EU legislation governing the growing and distribution of GM products has been jointly adopted by both the European Parliament and the Council of Ministers and as such is binding on all member states. This legislation specifically prohibits the unilateral declaration of a GM free country and any efforts to bring about a de facto situation must be based on a voluntary agreement or on sound scientific grounds.