Self-styled environmental group claims sabotage of genetically modified sugar beet

A group calling itself the Gaelic Earth Liberation Front has sabotaged the first genetically modified crop grown in this country. The genetically modified sugar beet was being grown by the US chemical giant, Monsanto, under an Environmental Protection Agency licence. The crop, which is modified genetically to be resistant to the company's herbicide, Roundup, was being grown on a plot attached to Teagasc research centre in Oakpark, Carlow.

It is believed a significant number of people got access early on Sunday and slashed much of the almost mature beet with sharp implements - Monsanto got permission to proceed with the test after a court action failed in May. A further action goes to a hearing shortly.

The attack was first reported on the Internet. British-based Genetic Engineering Network declared "Ireland GE (genetic engineering) free again", and insisted it had got an anonymous phone call from Gaelic Earth Liberation Front (GELF) admitting it.

Genetic Concern, the environmental group pursuing a judicial review of the EPA licence, said it had nothing to do with the sabotage. Its spokesman, Mr Quentin Gargan, said he was not aware of GELF's existence. "But we're not surprised it happened. There's a lot of people very annoyed the tests went ahead without adequate public debate."

It was aware of the risk this might happen but Genetic Concern "had chosen to go down the legal route".

A Teagasc spokesman said the extent of damage was being evaluated. The tests were a matter for Monsanto and the EPA. "Its major focus was on weed control and not the crop itself.".

Monsanto expressed shock and dismay at "wanton damage". Those responsible "clearly have no interest in scientific means of finding the truth and no interest in bringing benefits to the people of Ireland", a spokesman said. i have been asked to investigate the incident. Objections had been addressed in court, he said. In such circumstances, the act was a direct challenge to the law. Monsanto was calling on Genetic Concern to publicly condemn such action, but would not be deterred from "development of this technology".

Monsanto has completed nine such trials in Europe but genetically modified food is a contentious issue and trial sites have been interfered with in the past.