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ICSA WELCOMES NAUGHTEN’S MOVE ON GMOs

Jul 17, 2018 | Latest News, Press Releases | 0 comments

11 JULY 2018

ICSA president Patrick Kent has welcomed the move by Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment Denis Naughten to prohibit or restrict the cultivation of crops containing genetically modified organisms (GMOs). Mr Naughten, in a recommendation to Cabinet, has declared that Ireland must retain its GMO cultivation free status. This recommendation has been accepted by the Cabinet.

Commenting Mr Kent said, “This is a welcome recognition of the importance of moving towards declaring the whole country GM free. ICSA has, for many years, been at the forefront of pushing for such recognition. We know that the vast majority of consumers around Europe want GM free produce yet vested interests continue to try to foist these genetically modified elements upon us. It is imperative that these efforts are resisted as the market for pure and trustworthy forms of food is here to stay. Ireland needs to take a firm stance on this if we are to protect our ‘international reputation as a green, sustainable food producer’ as Mr Naughten envisages. It is also imperative if we want to command a premium price for our produce.”

“ICSA believes that this move should be used as a launch pad to intensively market Irish food on the basis of our GM free status. We need to see all Government agencies pulling in the same direction and getting on board with the GM free vision. This should include an end to any further GM trials at Teagasc facilities.”

ENDS

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