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Northern Ireland’s environment minister has banned the growing of genetically modified (GM) crops in the country. Mark H Durkan said he was “unconvinced of the advantages”, and his decision would hold for the “foreseeable future”.
The European Union said earlier this year that its 28 member states could adopt their own positions on the issue. Each regional assembly within the UK is making its own decision.
Durkan said the relatively small size of farms in Northern Ireland could create “potential difficulties if we were to seek to keep GM and non-GM crops separate”. He said the costs of maintaining separateness could be expensive and impractical. “Further, we are rightly proud of our natural environment and rich biodiversity,” he said. “We are perceived internationally to have a clean and green image. I am concerned that the growing of GM crops, which I acknowledge is controversial, could potentially damage that image.”
Wales is maintaining what it describes as “a restrictive and precautionary approach to GM crop cultivation”.
In England, the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs has said it will only allow GM crops to be planted and the marketing of GM food or feed products if a “robust risk assessment indicates that it is safe for people and the environment”.
Before GM crops can be grown in the EU, they have to be authorised. So far 48 genetically modified organisms have been licensed for potential use in animal feed in the EU.
Read full, original post: GM crop-growing banned in Northern Ireland
