John Deasy (Waterford, Fine Gael)
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Question 358: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if she will ensure that the EU is aware of concern amongst Irish pig producers at the alarming increase in the cost of feed imported into this country; the efforts she is making to ensure that the EU reviews its policy on trade restrictions which prevent EU countries from using genetically modified feed but where the EU allows other countries to export their pigs which are fed on this product; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22364/07]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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I am satisfied that the EU is fully aware of the rising costs of animal feedstuffs across Europe and the effect this is having on Irish pig producers. In response to developments on the International cereal and feed market, the EU Council of Agriculture Ministers agreed to suspend the obligation to set 10% of arable land aside. The Commission is also examining ways of synchronizing the GM authorization processes between the EU and the US

Animal feed materials used in pig diets, such as soya and whole maize, are derived from EU authorised GM crops. All animal feed materials consisting of, or containing, genetically modified ingredients which have been authorised under EU legislation can be placed on the EU market. In 2006 some 455k tonne of soya, 90% of which was declared as being produced from EU authorised crops, was imported into Ireland for use in animal feed, much of which was used in pig rations.

Imports of pigmeat from Third Countries represents less that 1% of pigmeat consumed in the EU.