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GOVERNMENT VOTING TO LEGALISE GM FOOD IN EU
Despite thousands of emails sent to Irish politicians by GM-free Ireland supporters, Ireland voted in favour of legalising the first GM food and animal feed (Syngenta's controversial Bt11 maize) for release in the EU at a meeting of the EU Standing Committee of the Food Chain and Animal Health on 8 December 2003 (see press release).
However, the vote was rejected with 33 votes in favour, 3 abstentions and 29 against.
Six countries voted in favour of legalisation (33 votes): Ireland, Finland, Netherlands, Spain, Sweden and the UK. Three countries abstained (25 votes): Belgium, Germany, Italy. Six countries voted against (29 votes): Austria, Denmark, France, Greece, Luxembourg, and Portugal.
Had it succeeded, the vote would have effectively ended the EU's de facto moratorium on GM food which has been in place since 1998.
Environmental groups and farming organisations across the EU welcomed the decision by European countries not to break the moratorium as a victory for public safety and common sense.
The Irish Government now has the opportunity to re-think its position. Irish people don't want to eat GM food and question marks remain over its safety. The Government must put the well-being of Irish citizens and the environment before the business interests of the US Government and the biotech industry.
