MEDIA COVERAGE OF 1,000 GMO-FREE ZONES DECLARATION
IRISH EXAMINER:
THOUSANDS UNITE IN CAMPAIGN AGAINST GMOS
Irish examiner, 21 April 2005. By Jim Morahan. Eye-catching signs in their hundreds went up across the country yesterday.
From their homes and places of work people took up the fight against genetically modified organisms (GMOs).
A total of 1,000 GMO-free zones on both sides of the border were declared - to mark the 35th anniversary of Earth Day.
The worldwide movement is commited to protecting the plantet and its natural resources and biodiversity.
Hotels, restaurants, markets, pubs, retailers, and homes united in their opposition to GMO food and farming.
As a result of their anti-GMO action, the organisers said these sites require legal protection from contamination by genetically modified seeds, crops, trees, livestock and fish.
GM-free Ireland co-ordinator Michael O'Callaghan said: "Keeping Ireland GMO-free will provide Ireland with significant competitive advantage. The vast majority of European food brands, retailers and consumers refuse GM food."
Independent MEP Kathy Sinnott said: "GMO crops are an experiment. I have told the European Parliament that I do not support the GMO experiment, but it it is to go ahead in Europe, I recommend Ireland as the perfect control."
"It is an island with predominantly western winds and therefore significantly protected from GMO contamination from neighbouring countries," Ms. Sinnott said.
Mr O'Callaghan warned that if the Government and the Northern authorities went ahead with their current strategy to allow "co-existence" of GMO crops on this island, we would forever lose our right to chose safe GM-free farming and food.
John Heney, Irish Cattle and Sheep Farmers Association, said the majority of EU consumers were strongly opposed to the use of GM, whether in the production of food for human consumption or as part of the diet of animals destined for dairy and meat production.
They had yet to be reassured of the safety of GM food.
GM-Free Ireland Network is an association of 56 farming organisation, companies and environmental groups which represent 32,000 people. www.gmfreeireland.org
