Ban GM Crops until proved safe for our health and our environment say environmental groups.

Click here to download the Environmental Pillar’s Policy Statement on Genetically Modified Crops in Ireland March 2013 (Posted on March 4, 2013)
4 March 2013: The Environmental Pillar, a coalition of 26 national environmental groups, today called upon the Government to place a 5-year moratorium on the growing of any genetically modified (GM) crops in Ireland.
“The introduction of GM crops, and their man-made genetic material, leaves the door open for these genes to spread into the natural environment. Uncontrolled gene dispersal into the wild means that it will not be possible to recall these rogue genes if at some later stage harmful impacts of the GM plants become obvious. In other words, planting GM crops out of doors is an irreversible action that could have unknown and disastrous consequences,” stated Dr Elizabeth Cullen speaking on behalf of the Environmental Pillar.
“Current ‘risk assessments’ undertaken by the GM companies are both short term and inadequate: even with this limited research, testing of genetically engineered food on animals has given rise to serious health concerns,” she continued.
Juliet Duff, also speaking on behalf of the Environmental Pillar, said, “Multiple studies have shown that small-scale farming with improved varieties of traditional seed, using agro-ecological methods offers a more sustainable long-term solution to feeding the world’s population”.
The Environmental Pillar asserts that Ireland with its highly successful agricultural sector, renowned for its clean, green image, should follow the precautionary principle and place a 5-year moratorium on the use of GM technology since the risks to human health and to the environment are too high and the proven benefits very low.
Notes:
The Precautionary Principle
The precautionary principle is detailed in Article 191 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (EU). It aims at ensuring a higher level of environmental protection through preventative decision-taking in the case of risk. However, in practice, the scope of this principle is far wider and also covers consumer policy, European legislation concerning food and human, animal and plant health. Further details are available here.