Teagasc move to calm fears of GM potato trials
Teagasc has moved to allay the fears of organic farmers who are concerned about growing genetically modified potatoes in Ireland.
The Environmental Protection Agency today granted Teagasc permission to begin trials in Co. Carlow.
It is hoped that the GM potatoes would be more resistant to blight, which thrives in humid conditions, at a huge cost to farmers.
A group supporting organic farming in Ireland has said that it would destroy Ireland's reputation as a "clean and green" island for food production.
But John Spink, Head of Crops at Teagasc, hopes the tests will do exactly the opposite:
"Obviously supposing the trials demonstrate that there is potentially a significant environmental impact that could have an adverse effect on anyones plans to commercialise them in the future", he said
"Conversely if they demonstrate that there is no adverse environmental impact that should put peoples minds at rest".
