Andrew Doyle (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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Question 497: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the reason non-genetically modified feed is not available to farmers wanting to avail of the GM free logo being promoted in the revised programme for Government; the reason non-GM feed has been in short supply and more costly than in other EU markets since 2004; if the Minister intending to review this situation. [43034/09]

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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While animal feed protein derived from non-GM crop varieties is available on the world market, protein feed materials derived from non-GM soya and maize are more expensive than their GM counterparts. This is due to reduced cultivation level of the non-GM varieties, and the extra costs associated with 'identity preservation' i.e. the process of segregating non-GM from GM crops. While the additional costs for protein feed materials derived from non-GM soya and maize vary according to the state of the commodity markets and the nature of demand, Irish feed industry sources suggest that there is currently a significant price premium for non-GM soya ex Brazil. Over 95% of imported soya and maize by-products, used as protein feed materials for Irish livestock, are declared as having been derived from authorised GM crops. My Department in conjunction with the Department of Health and Children is examining the introduction of the new voluntary food GM-free logo as provided for in the Programme for Government.