Modified beet crop in Co Wexford sabotaged by green campaigners

Environmental campaigners have sabotaged a new genetically modified sugar beet crop in Arthurstown, Co Wexford. A number of people gained access yesterday to the one-acre plot at the privately-owned Hilltop farm, which is facilitating a biotechnology trial for the US chemical giant, Monsanto.

It is believed the protesters were members of the group styled Gaelic Earth Liberation Front, which attacked another trial plot at the Teagasc research centre in Oldpark, Carlow, last September.

Monsanto has two other trial sites in Co Meath and one in Co Cork, which have been introduced on a phased basis since it got permission to proceed with the tests after a court action by the campaign group, Genetic Concern, failed in May 1997.

Monsanto confirmed "some slight damage" had been done. It said: "The trials at all five sites will continue and the interference at the Wexford site will have little impact on the overall programme."

The company has yet to report the incident to local gardai. "We're aware that it's a very emotive issue and that there are a lot of people against it, but as yet we have no definite report of an attack," said a Garda spokesman.

It was widely speculated that some action would be taken in the run-up to a protest meeting by environmentalists in Duncannon, Co Wexford, on Sunday.

Mr Quentin Gargan, a spokesman for Genetic Concern, said: "We neither condemn nor condone the action, but we do understand people being frustrated and taking the law into their own hands. There has been no public consultation and no opportunity for public debate on this issue.

"People are also frustrated at delays in the legal process. It could take a year and half before we have our appeal heard and another year and a half before a decision is made."

He also criticised Fianna Fail which had "promised a moratorium on these trials, but since moving into Government they have refused to discuss the issue with voluntary groups".

Mr Gargan said the group was unaware who was responsible for the attack, adding: "Our aim is not to do a hit-and-run and stop one trial. We want to stop all trials." He said sabotage was becoming a common tactic of anti-genetic engineering campaigners internationally. On Wednesday night a modified sugar beet farm in Essex was attacked.

Ms Nuala Ahern, a Green MEP for Leinster, accused Monsanto of engaging in a policy of confrontation by proceeding with the trials. While she did not support the sabotage, she said, it was a result of "frustration among many people in the country at the way in which the company has proceeded to impose these field trials".

She said Monsanto and the Environmental Protection Agency "have ignored 3,500 objections and much scientific evidence of the dangers of this. They have postponed public debate and have not waited until the judicial review is over."

Ms Ahern is due to speak at the public meeting on Sunday at Duncannon along with the Green TD, Mr John Gormley, and the Socialist Party TD, Mr Joe Higgins. Protesters intend to march on the farm at Arthurstown and erect "Biohazard" signs.