A GENETICALLY modified (GM) potato developed by German company BASF, which was prevented from growing it experimentally in Co Meath in 2006, can now be grown in the EU following a decision this week in Brussels.
The European Commission decided the GM potato “Amflora” can be grown for extracting starch but cannot be grown for human consumption. The decision has been severely criticised by organic groups across the EU.
It is unlikely to be grown here because Government policy is to have no GM-produced crops grown despite the fact the farming lobby, including Teagasc, is in favour of using GM systems if proven to be scientifically safe.
The Irish Organic Farmers and Growers Association chairwoman, Dr Sinéad Neiland, said the decision to give the green light to the commercial cultivation of the GM potato was moving the EU in the wrong direction.
When BASF tried to test its growth here, she said public opposition was strong with regard to the trial and this, coupled with a demand that BASF pay the cost of independent monitoring of health and environment impacts, ensured BASF pulled out.
“This decision puts profit before people or the environment and will do little to increase public confidence in how EU representatives approach GM cultivation.”
Amflora potato is designed to be rich in starch as an alternative thickening agent for paper, adhesives and textiles and an alternative to maize.
“The existence of non-GM alternatives means that there is no reason for farmers to have to cultivate Amflora for the European starch industry and no need to introduce the risk of spreading antibiotic resistance,” Dr Neiland added.
The Irish Farmers Association said the GM debate in Europe had been very political and emotional, rather than based on facts. This meant Irish farmers did not have access to GM technology, but had to compete with farmers who did.
“The move by the commission is very much a preliminary one for a particular variety and should be welcomed as an opportunity to open up the debate on the use of GM,” it added.
“Either farmers in Europe are allowed to use the technology to remain competitive, or those products that use the technology are restricted.”
The International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements in the EU-27, representing more than 300 organic groups, said the decision further raised the cost to the organic sector of remaining GM free.
“Although the starch potato is not intended for use as feed and food purposes, it cannot be certain that the tubers, which look like conventional potatoes, will not enter the food chain,” Bavo van den Idsert, the federation’s vice president, said.
“Even the European Food Safety Authority had to recognise this in its opinion.”