An tIonad Glas Organic College
Dromcollogher
Co Limerick
Tel 063,83604.
Email [email protected]
Barry OâReilly
Dept. of Agriculture
National Crop Variety Testing Centre
Blackweston, Leixlip
Co. Kildare.
Email [email protected].
19/12/2004.
Re- Release of Genetically Modified Crops in Ireland.
Dear Barry OâReilly,
We the undersigned staff, students and friends of the Organic College wish to register our objection to the introduction of Genetically Modified Crops in Ireland.
As Organic Growers, farmers, educators and food specialists, our livelihood is dependant on the quality assurance of the organic symbol which guarantees our produce as G. M. Free. In the event of G. M. Crops being planted here, we know of no way to prevent wind or insect transfer of G. M. pollen to our crops.
We regard our Department as the National Regulatory Body particularly responsible for the protection of the organic symbol. We believe the Department may be liable for any future loss of the symbol through G. M. contamination.
We have attached our reasons for objecting to this technology and ask instead, that the resources of our Department of Agriculture be concentrated on the following â
⢠Supporting a viable seed saving and seed production industry in Ireland to save-guard our biodiversity and increase the variety of organic seeds available to growers.
⢠Increased research in organic production technology for animal husbandry and crop production.
⢠Supporting to new entrants and small horticultural producers who at present face major barriers in establishing a sustainable farming enterprise.
We believe that G. M. Foods offer no long-term gain to the producer, the consumer, the developing world or the environment.
As this technology is not reversible and is of vital public interest, we call for an extension of the consultation period for a further year. We call for a fully informed public debate and a referendum before any further consideration of introducing these crops to Ireland.
Looking forward to your response.
Sinne le meas,
Jim McNamara Farmer, Knockaderry, Co. Limerick.
Michael OâLoinsigh, Student, Springfield, Dromcollogher, Co. Limerick.
Kieran English, Knockatanna, Caherconlish, Co. Limerick.
Vincent Burke, Tobernea, Effin, Co. Limerick.
Danielle Ryan, Milford, Co. Cork.
Kevin OâDea, Broadford, Co. Limerick.
Kevin Fitzmaurice, Fort William, Milford, Co. Cork.
Jitka Pechancova, Church St, Dromcollogher, Co. Limerick.
Norma Courtney, Lacca, Ballyhahill, Co. Limerick.
Dylan Keating, Fort William, Milford, Co. Cork.
Oonagh O Dwyer Lahinch Co Clare Grower.
Kevin Duffin, Fort William, Milford, Co.Cork
Grainne McHugh, Fort William, Milford, Co. Cork.
Michael Mac Domhnall Gortboy Newcastlewest Co Limerick Grower.
Jessica Swadosh, Fort William, Milford, Co. Cork
Ron de Bruin, Gardenfield, Dromcollogher, Co. Limerick. – Grower
Ted Cook, Kilbarry, Macroom, Co. Cork. â Tree Specialist.
Con Cremin, Ardagh, Co. Limerick â Farmer
Eileen Flynn OâSullivan, Ardagh, Co. Limerick â Farmer
John Harnett, Ashford, Co. Limerick. â Farmer
Sinead Neiland Grower Knocktoosh Broadford Co Limerick.
Roisin Ni Ghairbhith 3 Woodview Park Ennisthymon Co Clare. Grower .
Thomas & Michael Keane Morgans Askeaton Co Limerick. Farmers.
Grace Maher Neurney Co Carlow Grower.
Tom Atkins 18 Newbridge Park Scibbereen CoCork.
Tracy Ryan Bog Cross Liscarroll Co Cork Grower.
Emer O Flaherty Springfield Broadford CoLimerick Farmer/grower.
Ted Bradley Ballyhea Charleville CoCork Grower.
Paul O Donoghue Ahane Co Limerick Grower
Rossum McNamara Clonlara Co Clare Grower.