Today is the last day to make representations to the Environmental Protection Agency on a proposal to plant genetically modified beet in Cork. Monsanto, Lane End Road, High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire, has applied for the licence to release genetically modified organisms into the environment.
In a recent advert, Monsanto described the organism as sugar beet, which would normally be sensitive to the herbicide Roundup Biactive, containing Glyphosate, but has been modified to express tolerance to the herbicide". The beet would be planted at Knocknacappa, Killeagh, Co Cork.
It added that the general purpose was to assess the performance of Roundup Biactive to control weeds in the beet crop and the tolerance of the crop to the herbicide. The notice said that the application is for the programme of work from 1997 to 1999.
It is understood that similar applications are to be made shortly in relation to genetically modified maize and other cereal crops.