Written Answers - Genetically Modified Organisms. Tuesday, 27 June 2006

Dáil Eireann Debate Vol. 622 No. 122 Page of 443

  46.  Ms O’Sullivan      asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food      if she will provide this Deputy with a copy of the Teagasc Report on the economic implications of the use of genetically modified organisms; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24596/06]

Minister for Agriculture and Food (Mary Coughlan):    As part of the work related to the establishment of efficient and effective GM coexistence measures I requested Teagasc to carry out an evaluation of the possible national economic implications for the Agri-Food industry from the use of GMOs in crop and livestock production. Teagasc have completed their study which was based on two scenarios:

(i) The economic implications of only allowing the importation into Ireland of certified GM-free soyabean and maize livestock feed ingredients; and

(ii) The economic implications of GM-free crop cultivation in Ireland for certain crops.

In the first scenario the study showed that substantial additional costs would be placed on the livestock sector, particularly on specialist dairy and beef farmers, if they were to use only certified GM free soya and maize in feedingstuffs. In the second scenario the study examined five hypothetical GM crops which could be grown [786]here — herbicide tolerant sugar beet, Septoria resistant winter wheat, Fusarium resistant winter wheat, Rhyncosporium resistant spring barley and blight resistant potatoes. This study showed that increased profits could be generated for growers of these crops compared to their conventional equivalent. However, the study showed that there could be a significant cost in relation to Identity Preservation for conventional growers in a coexistence arrangement.

I will arrange to have a copy of the Teagasc Report sent to the Deputy within the next couple of days.

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Last Updated: 03/11/2010 22:39:55

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