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Gnáthamharc

Genetically Modified Organisms.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 13 October 2004

Wednesday, 13 October 2004

Ceisteanna (18)

Ciarán Cuffe

Ceist:

19 Mr. Cuffe asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if her attention has been drawn to the demand from many consumers and farmers for genetically modified free farming; if her attention has further been drawn to the fact that no insurance company has yet been willing to provide cover for genetically modified related losses incurred by conventional and organic farmers; and the way in which she proposes to represent the best interests of farmers in ensuring a genetically modified free policy. [24549/04]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The rules governing GMOs are set down in EU legislation, which has been jointly adopted by the European Parliament and Council of Ministers under the co-decision procedure.

This legislation, which is binding on all member states, ensures that the EU has stringent assessment and control measures in place for the cultivation and use of GM crops and GM food within the Community. These measures will ensure that the highest standards of food safety and environmental protection will apply equally across the Community. The exercise of these controls is supported by the establishment of the European Food Safety Authority which makes available to the citizens of the EU an independent scientific body in which they can have the utmost confidence and trust with regard to the assessment, advice and communication of any risk associated with GMs or indeed any food safety matter.

The EU legislation encourages all member states to draw up strategies and best practices to ensure that efficient and effective measures for the co-existence of GM and non-GM crops are in place if farmers wish to cultivate GM crops in their country. The Commission, while deciding that the issue of co-existence was best dealt with at member state level, where the authorities could take account of local growing and climatic conditions, have published a set of guidelines to assist member states in the task. An interdepartmental/interagency working group has been established within my Department to develop proposals for such strategies.

Under its work programme, the working group has communicated with all relevant stakeholders, including farming organisations and insurance groups, and sought their observations. The views expressed by these stakeholders will be considered when drawing up the final strategies which, as part of the overall report, will address the issue of liability.

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