The fight over GM-free zones (28/9/2007) | |
1.IRISH CITY OF CORK BECOMES A GM-FREE ZONE Related links: --- 1.IRISH CITY OF CORK BECOMES A GM-FREE ZONE The Minister for Food and Horticulture, Trevor Sargent, said the move will help to protect the economic interest of Irelands food and farming future as a clean green GM-free food island. The City Councils decision was hailed by leading chefs and restaurateurs. "This is fantastic for Cork City", said Darina Allen, of Ballyamaloe Cookery School and Slow Food Ireland, adding "Lets follow-up by declaring the whole of Co. Cork as a GM-free zone". Seamus OConnell, presenter of the Soul Food TV programme, head chef at the Parknasilla Hotel, and owner of Corks famed Ivory Tower restaurant, said "I am proud that the city in which I live and work has stood up to the agribusiness gombeens. It would make our children and grandchildren even prouder if Ireland as an island could have the vision to follow suit, create a haven for pure GM-free seeds and produce, and lead the way in research and management of the same". Giana Ferguson of Slow Food Ireland, which protects and promotes local GM-free food and gastronomic traditions, also backed the decision. After hearing the news at her Gubeen Farm in Schull (famed for its organic cheese and vegetables and GM-free charcuterie), she said "We are delighted and proud of Cork City Council for taking this vital step to protect the future of Corks artisanal food producers". Jaques and Eithne Barry of Jacques Restaurant said: "We are extremely pleased at this good news. Lets hope it helps us all to realise that Slow Food is better than fast food!" Friends of the Irish Environment co-ordinator Tony Lowes, who is based in Alihies on the Beara Peninsula, welcomed the move as a step forward. He said "GM seeds or crops would contaminate Irelands ecosystem in perpetuity. Cork Citys protective measure should be extended as soon as possible to the whole of County Cork, in order to protect its unique biodiversity and National Parks." The motion was tabled by Green Party Councillor Chris OLeary, who said "this decision sends a strong message of support for Corks food producers, food processors, restaurants and hotels, and will help position this whole area as an eco-tourism destination." GM-free Ireland co-ordinator Michael OCallaghan congratulated the City Council, and urged all Town and County Councils to declare themselves as GM-free zones without delay, to support the Governments policy goal to declare the whole island of Ireland as a GMO-free zone, in collaboration with the Northern Ireland Assembly. GM crops are totally or partially banned by nine Governments, along with 236 Regional Governments, Local Authorities, and 4,500 smaller areas across 22 EU member states, plus Switzerland. GMO-free zones on this island of Ireland so far include Counties Cavan, Clare, Fermanagh, Kildare, Kerry, Meath, Roscommon, Monaghan, and Westmeath, the District of Newry & Mourne in counties Armagh and Down, and the towns of Bantry, Bray, Clonakilty, Cork City, Derry, Galway City, Letterkenny, and Navan, along with 1,000 smaller areas, representing over 1 million citizens on both sides of the border. The WTO and the European Commission claim that national and regional blanket bans on GM crops are illegal. But an EU-wide campaign is underway for the European Commission to recognise the democratic legal right of member states and local authorities to have the final say in whether GM seeds and crops may be released in their areas. [ENDS] Contact: --- 2.No GM Free Zone The European Court of Justice has ruled that Upper Austria is violating EU law with its ban on genetically modified (GM) farming. The north Austrian region instituted its ban in 2002. The ban was rejected by the European Commission in 2003 and unsuccessfully appealed by the region in 2005. The article says that despite the ruling, precautionary legislation in Upper Austria, which remains uncontested by the EU, makes it difficult for farmers to get permission to use GM seeds and plants. The article can be viewed online at the link below. |