Sinn Féin MEPs have strongly criticised new EU proposals that roll back rules around genetically modified crops, and safety assessments for many products.
The proposals on ‘New Genomic Techniques’ (NGTs) would weaken food safety, and hand greater power to big agro-chemical companies.
Lynn Boylan, MEP for Dublin said:
“This proposal is a blatant rollback of long-standing GMO protections and a betrayal of the precautionary principle that European citizens have fought hard to defend.
“It is deeply alarming that the EU is pushing ahead with the deregulation of these NGTs despite serious unresolved concerns around traceability, labelling, environmental contamination, and the long-term impact on biodiversity and public health.
“Safety assessments are absolutely essential. Allowing genetically modified crops into our environment and food systems without proper scrutiny is reckless and irresponsible.
“Once again, we are seeing the interests of powerful agro-chemical corporations being prioritised over consumers, small farmers, and environmental protections.
“The government parties must act now to oppose this law in the European Parliament. Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael cannot simply ignore the very real concerns being raised by consumers, farmers, environmental groups, and the organic sector.”
Her colleague, Kathleen Funchion, MEP for Ireland South added:
“The EU is sleepwalking into a dangerous dismantling of GMO safeguards under the guise of innovation and competitiveness.
“Consumers have a fundamental right to know what is in their food and how it is produced. Mandatory labelling and traceability must remain in place so people can make informed choices about the food they buy and eat.
“Organic and small-scale farmers are deeply concerned about the risk of contamination from genetically modified crops, yet this legislation fails to provide adequate protection from GMO-free farming. It could also put an end to home saved seed as biotechnology companies are incentives to breed sterile crops.
“The only clear winners from this proposal are the multinational biotechnology and agro-chemical giants who stand to profit from weaker regulation and greater control over our food systems. Farmers will once again be the ones paying the price. This regulation flies in the face of the objective of strengthening the position of farmers in the supply chain.
“Irish MEPs have a responsibility to stand up for strong safeguards, mandatory safety assessments, full traceability, and the right of people to know what is in their food.”
