The crop of genetically modified sugar beet developed by Monsanto when tested in the State needed 60 per cent less herbicide than traditional varieties, a biotechnologist told the conference.
This dramatic reduction in weedkiller served to dismiss one of many myths about genetically modified organisms (GMOs), that they lead to increased pesticide use, said Dr Jim Ryan, of BioResearch Ireland, a company based in Irish universities to promote gene technology use.
He said there was a view that nobody checked the safety of GMOs when, in reality, their production was highly regulated. Many believed big, all-powerful multinationals were the only people developing them and forcing them on an unwilling public. "Most genetic engineering work is done in universities."
He accepted high regulation meant few organisations could afford to develop GMOs, but farmers worldwide were growing GM crops. "We have five years' [development] and 70 million acres saying there is no danger."
It was correct that the consumer should be allowed determine if GM foods were used. "But European consumers may not be given that benefit. The rest of the world has already made the decision to use these crops."
A plant breeder, Dr Peter Jones, of UCC, said organic farming would play an important role in agriculture but not as the alternative in "high-yield countries", such as in Europe.
Organic farming would secure a niche market but "sustainable agriculture with reduced inputs" of pesticides and chemicals was the way forward. GM crops would have a significant role in developing desirable traits, such as "stress tolerance", in a world likely to experience detrimental effects from global warming. Careful selection of GM plant varieties would minimise the risk of "genetic escape" to other species.
However, the Socialist Party TD, Mr Joe Higgins, said the release of GM crops was "an uncontrolled experiment" which could not be recalled once releases were made. "If gutless politicians won't stop this technology, then people power must."
The Sunday Tribune food writer, Maureen Tatlow, said such were the complexities and implications of genetic alteration of food it could not be simply considered an issue of labelling foods. Choice was meaningless without comprehensive and frank information and education. "The place for debate is not on the back of a packet of maize-coated chicken nuggets."
A Fianna Fail MEP, Mr Brian Crowley, said a GMO ban would serve nothing. The issue would not go away as research was so advanced. Effective, updated regulation was required. Asked why his party had reneged on an election promise of a GM crop moratorium, he said: "I don't know why. I sought an answer but got none."