Ireland last week adopted a genetically modified (GM) free policy with a ban on the cultivation of all GM plants.

The policy was adopted as part of the Irish government’s renewed programme for government was agreed between both coalition partners Fianna Fail and the Green Party.

The agreement stated: “The government will declare the Republic of

Ireland a GM-Free Zone, free from the cultivation of all GM plants.” The official text also stated the aim was “to optimise Ireland’s competitive advantage as a GM-free country, we will introduce a voluntary GM-free logo for use in all relevant product labelling and advertising, similar to a scheme recently introduced in Germany.”

Michael O’Callaghan of GM-free Ireland said the policy signals a new dawn for Irish farmers and food producers. : “Ireland’s geographical isolation and offshore Atlantic western winds provide a natural barrier to contamination by wind-borne GM pollen drift from countries such as the UK and Spain which still allow commercial release or field trials of GM crops.” However although Ireland’s GM-free policy aims to ban both commercial release as well as field trials of GM crops, it requires implementing legislation in Northern Ireland as well as the Republic to prevent contamination from across the border.

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