Ireland’s Government Place Ban on GMO Use

10.21.2009

Photo Credit: Simone Berna

The EU has taken huge strides in limiting Genetically Modified crops by rejecting their use for over a decade. In fact, in March, 2008 it was found that almost 60% of the EU population opposed the use of GMOs in agriculture. The Irish agree with this ban and aim to keep the island a GMO-free zone, off limits to any environmental release of GM seeds and crops. In doing so, they will see positive results in business, health and the environment.

By banning the use of these less than natural crops, Ireland has much to look forward to. Their livestock and human population will be protected; the landscape will escape the possibilities of invasion of GM superweeds (which will in turn protect farmers from GM patent infringement lawsuits); and will provide a competitive advantage on livestock and food exporters. The Republic’s ban specifies that the Government will “Declare [it] a GM-Free Zone, free from the cultivation of all GM plants”. Furthermore, “To optimize Ireland’s competitive advantage as a GM-Free country, we will introduce a voluntary GM-Free logo for use in all relevant product labeling and advertising, similar to a strategy recently introduced in Germany.”

Irish farmers are overjoyed with the Governments decision, as most of them have been forced to enter an unbeatable race to the bottom for low quality GM-fed meat and dairy produce. They have not been able to keep up with international competition, including countries like the USA, Argentina and Brazil, who have highly subsidized GM crop monocultures, cheap fossil fuel, use of toxic agrochemicals that are not even legal in the EU, as well as underpaid migrant farm labor.

Ireland has made a wise decision in bringing its people safe, GM-free food. The new GM-free label will create larger business as everyone knows that food brands and retailers want safe GM-free food, and Ireland is ideally positioned to deliver the safest, most credible GM-free food brand in Europe, if not the world.

Click here to read more about Ireland’s GMO Ban.