Liam Twomey (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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Question 126: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food her plans to evaluate the economic implications of the use of genetically modified organisms; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12048/06]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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I wish to inform the Deputy that Teagasc has an ongoing programme of research that investigates the potential risks and benefits associated with the growing of genetically modified, GM, crops in Ireland including, inter alia, the economic implications. Preliminary research completed by it to date does indicate that the cultivation of certain crops with certain modifications may provide a financial incentive to the Irish farmer.

In order to establish greater clarity in the matter, I requested Teagasc to carry out an evaluation of the possible national economic implications for the agrifood industry from the use of genetically modified organisms, GMOs, in crop and livestock production. Teagasc has recently completed its study which it based on two scenarios: the economic implications of only allowing the importation into Ireland of certified GM-free soya bean and maize livestock feed ingredients; and the economic implications of GM-free crop cultivation in Ireland.

In the first scenario, the study showed that substantial additional costs would be placed on the livestock sector, particularly on specialist dairy and beef farmers, if they were to use certified GM-free soya and maize only in feeding stuffs. In the second scenario, the study examined five hypothetical GM crops which could be grown here — herbicide tolerant sugar beet, Septoria resistant winter wheat, Fusarium resistant winter wheat, Rhyncosporium resistant spring barley and blight resistant potatoes. This study showed that increased profits could be generated for growers of these crops compared to their conventional equivalent. However, the study showed that there is a significant cost in respect of identity preservation for conventional growers in a co-existence arrangement.