Opponents of genetically modified (GM) crops have stepped up their campaign by initiating legal proceedings against the Environmental Protection Agency. This follows its decision to allow the US corporation, Monsanto, to conduct additional Irish trials this year.
The action by Ms Clare Watson, a founder member of Genetic Concern, is separate from judicial review proceedings in which judgment was reserved in the High Court last week after a 10-day hearing. These related to one trial growing of GM sugar beet in Co Carlow, sanctioned by the EPA last year.
Ms Watson was granted leave in the High Court yesterday to seek a judicial review of the decision by the EPA in April to allow Monsanto conduct a further four trials over four years in Cos Cork, Meath and Wexford, although proceedings in relation to last year's trial had not concluded.
Mr Quentin Gargan, spokesman for Genetic Concern, said their latest move was necessary because "genetically engineered food is being imposed on the Irish public" without an adequate debate on whether they wanted it or not.
"It is obvious that by conducting these trials in different locations, the associated risks are multiplied unnecessarily."
The Green Party spokeswoman on food, Ms Paula Giles, welcomed the action as "an important stand against the corporatisation of Irish food production". But she criticised the Government for leaving it to a private citizen to take a stand on such a significant environmental issue.
"The company, the EPA and the Government should agree to halt all trials until the outcome of the initial judicial review is known," she said.
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