Agriculture Minister Michelle McIlveen has said that she is open to the prospect of genetically modified (GM) crops being grown in NI if measures are in place to prevent contamination of conventional crops.

The European Food Safety Authority regulates applications to develop a GM crop within the EU, with final responsibility for local implementation down to individual member states and devolved administrations.

In response to a written MLA question, Minister McIlveen said that a ban put in place by former Environment Minister Mark Durkan last September only applies to six crop varieties that were in the EU approvals process at the time. Therefore, there is no general prohibition on the cultivation of GM crops in NI.

Minister McIlveen said that she has no plans to revisit Durkan’s decision as the six crops are not commercially attractive to growers in NI.

“I take the view that their [GM crop] cultivation ought to be considered on a case by case basis, taking account of the latest scientific evidence to ensure that no harm is caused to either the environment or the agriculture industry,” she said.

The minister added that she would like to see increased demand for GM technologies from both growers and consumers before seriously considering allowing GM crops to be grown here on a widespread basis.

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