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Irish Cattle and Sheep Farmers Association calls for GM-free island policy
Download ICSA GM Free Island policy briefing document (68K Word file)
Interview with ICSA Rural Development Chairman John Heney (68K Word file)
The following press release was issued by the ICSA on 17 June 2004:
The Irish Cattle and Sheep Farmers Association has today
called on the government to pursue a GM (Genetically Modified) Free
IslandĒ policy. ICSA wants this to be an integral part of a strategy to
further develop the green image of Irish farm produce and it could be
critical in increasing the Irish share of high value markets for products
such as beef. ICSA president Malcolm Thompson said that "the single most
important challenge for Irish agriculture is to build on the momentum of
increased demand for Irish beef and lamb by strengthening our image as
Ireland - the food island. We need to capitalise on a green image, and
tap into the demand for natural products."
ICSA rural development chairman John Heney explained that if Ireland wishes
to be a leading supplier of beef and lamb to the highest value EU markets,
then it is vital to listen and respond to European consumer concerns.
"Surveys clearly show that the majority of EU consumers are strongly
opposed to any use of genetically modified organisms, whether as part of
food for humans or as part of the diet of animals destined for meat
production. This is a vital message which cannot be ignored if we wish to
successfully market Irish beef."
He added that Ireland, as an island cut off from mainland Europe has a
unique opportunity to put forward a GM free policy which will be highly
credible. "Because of our island status, we can realistically claim to be
GM free, without risk of contamination from other EU countries that may
take a different approach to GM."
Mr Heney further explained that ICSA was not making any explicit judgement
on the science of GM produce, but rather making the marketing of Irish beef
and lamb the key objective of Irish agricultural policy. "However, we have
examined the implications of GM free production for competitiveness and
ICSA is happy that the overall best interests of Irish farmers will be
determined primarily by our ability to sell beef and lamb in high value
markets.
For instance, the cost of GM-free ration is only marginally higher than
ration with GM ingredients, and at the same time would actually boost
demand for home grown cereals such as barley and wheat. In this way, a GM
free policy is positive for both Irish meat producers and Irish tillage
farmers."
ICSA will now mount a campaign for a GM free island policy. The
association wants the government to declare support for such a policy and
to actively pursue such a policy with its counterparts in Northern Ireland.
For more information about the ICSA, please visit its web site at www.icsaireland.com.
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