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

Question 11: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food if she will bring forward proposed measures for coexistence of genetically modified and non-GM crops before 18 May 2007; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9142/07]

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

As the Deputy may be aware an interdepartmental/ interagency Working Group was established within my Department in 2003 to develop proposals for a national strategy and best practices to ensure the co-existence of GM crops with conventional and organic farming. That Group presented me with their Final Report and Recommendations in December 2005 which, inter alia, recommended that a combination of mandatory and voluntary measures are best to meet the objective of implementing the coexistence of GM crops alongside non-GM crops in Irish agriculture. In developing its recommendations the Working Group considered all the relevant issues including overall government policy on genetically modified organisms; the principles set down in Commission Recommendation 2003/556/EC; scientific issues; current developments in GM crop technology; Irish crop production systems and farm infrastructure; and liability issues. The views of the major stakeholders were solicited and discussions were held with colleagues from Northern Ireland in order to harmonise, as far as possible, coexistence measures in both jurisdictions.

In order to capture the widest range of views on the issue raised I then arranged to have the Report placed on my Department's website and invited observations from the general public. I am currently engaged in the process of considering the submissions received in the light of the recommendations made and the ongoing international developments in this area, particularly relating to thresholds for organic produce.

Draft legislation is currently being prepared in my Department to give effect to the mandatory measures proposed such as the requirement to get approval before cultivation commences, confirmation that the GM crop grower has undertaken the required education and training on the cultivation of GM crops; demonstration that agreement has been reached with neighbouring farmers in respect of cropping arrangements that involve the neighbours' lands being used for separation distance, and the establishment of sanction and powers for authorized officers. Once sufficient progress has been made in evaluating these areas I will endeavour to bring forward coexistence regulations as soon as possible.