Paul Gogarty (Dublin Mid West, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 102: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food her views on whether EU or national legislation prohibits the declaration of genetically modified free regions or states; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3718/07]

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

The rules governing the production and use of GM crops within the Community are set down in EU legislation which has been jointly adopted by the European Parliament and the Council. This legislation is binding on all Member States and does not provide for the declaration of a GM free country or region. There are, however, options available to restrict the growing of GM crops within regions of a country. One option is the concept of voluntarily developed GM free regions, where there is a voluntary agreement among all growers in a region not to grow a GM crop or crops. Another option is to seek a derogation from the Commission that, on the basis of sound scientific evidence, coexistence of GM crops with non-GM crops 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.