Our reliance on GM crops complicates our chances of lauching GM free food brands. / Philip Doyle
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Almost 1.7m tonnes of genetically modified (GM) soya and maize were imported into the country last year, which made up over 50% of total feed imports, according to Minister for Agriculture Michael Creed.
The minister revealed the information in response to a parliamentary question from Sinn Féin deputy Peadar Tóibín, and stated that in total Ireland imported 3.47m tonnes of animal feed materials.
“In addition, approximately 2.1m tonnes of homegrown cereals are used in the production of animal feed, bringing the total usage of feed materials to about 5.6m tonnes annually,” Minister Creed told the Dáil.
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“With limited tillage area, Ireland is especially dependent on feed imports relative to other EU member states.”
High-value market countries, such as Germany, have already established GM-free brands. However, Ireland’s reliance on GM imports complicates the potential for launching GM-free brands.
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Almost 1.7m tonnes of genetically modified (GM) soya and maize were imported into the country last year, which made up over 50% of total feed imports, according to Minister for Agriculture Michael Creed.
The minister revealed the information in response to a parliamentary question from Sinn Féin deputy Peadar Tóibín, and stated that in total Ireland imported 3.47m tonnes of animal feed materials.
“In addition, approximately 2.1m tonnes of homegrown cereals are used in the production of animal feed, bringing the total usage of feed materials to about 5.6m tonnes annually,” Minister Creed told the Dáil.
“With limited tillage area, Ireland is especially dependent on feed imports relative to other EU member states.”
High-value market countries, such as Germany, have already established GM-free brands. However, Ireland’s reliance on GM imports complicates the potential for launching GM-free brands.
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