Stop the import of GM seeds to Ireland

We wish to draw your attention to a serious and urgent development. It has come to our attention recently that there has been recent approval at EU level for the importation of live Genetically Engineered oilseed rape. It will be in the form of viable seed, capable of growing and cross-pollinating with other members of the Brassica family. The following information was received from the Irish Seed Savers Association:

On Wednesday 7th September 2005, EU commissioners approved Monsantos GT73 oilseed rape for use as animal feed in Europe. Despite opposition from 13 member states and support from only 6 the legislation was passed because a Qualified Majority vote had not been reached. Due to six member states, including Ireland, abstaining from the vote the decision was left to the unelected EU commissioners.

If immediate action is not taken GT73 could arrive in Ireland before the end of October 2005. This is an emergency situation as the GT73 oilseed rape is live and viable seed. Although intended as animal feed, there will inevitably be spillages at the ports, en route to storage depots and at the destination farms those spilled seeds will germinate and grow and are capable of cross pollinating with other members of the Brassica family (cabbage, kale, turnips etc.) both wild and cultivated, resulting in Ireland losing its commercially advantageous GM free status.

In Ireland we already have the advantages of being (a) geographically isolated and surrounded by water; (b) less prone to GM pollen contamination due to the prevailing wind direction; (c) the country with the lowest exposure to GM material of all the EU member states. Therefore, retaining our GM free status would offer distinct environmental and economic advantages for Ireland.

We urge you to take action by calling for the implementation of the Safeguard Clause Directive 2001/18/EC and complying with the spirit of the decisions taken on 15th June 2005 by the Joint Oireachtas Committees on European Affairs and on Environment/Local Government which both gave unanimous, cross party support for the sovereign right of member states to ban specific GM products when there are questions over their safety. Please raise this issue immediately with your colleagues in the Dбil and commit yourself to preventing the importation of GM seeds, which do not serve the interests of Irish consumers, farmers or environmentalists.