26/07/2012
EPA Gives Consent For GM Potato Field Trials
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has today given consent to Teagasc, Oak Park, Co Carlow, to carry out field trials on a genetically modified (GM) potato line with improved resistance to late potato blight.
The consent is subject to eight conditions. These Conditions address the following matters:
•The scope of the consent
•The duration, location and area of the field trials
•The management of the field trials
•The duty upon the notifier to inform the Agency of new information
•Requirements in relation to reporting to the Agency
•The detection method for the identification of the GM potatoes
•Sampling the trial site, and charges for carrying out site inspections, auditing and monitoring
The approval for field trials follows a detailed examination and assessment by the EPA of a notification from Teagasc. In assessing the application the EPA has carried out extensive consultations with all appropriate state agencies and government departments including the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) as well as the National Advisory Committee on Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs). A total of 83 representations were received from interested parties and these were fully assessed as part of the licensing process.
The field trials will be carried out at one location at Oak Park, Co Carlow. The duration of the consent is for four years, from 2012 to 2016 (inclusive), with post-trial monitoring continuing until 2020. Planting will not exceed two hectares in area.
(CD)
The consent is subject to eight conditions. These Conditions address the following matters:
•The scope of the consent
•The duration, location and area of the field trials
•The management of the field trials
•The duty upon the notifier to inform the Agency of new information
•Requirements in relation to reporting to the Agency
•The detection method for the identification of the GM potatoes
•Sampling the trial site, and charges for carrying out site inspections, auditing and monitoring
The approval for field trials follows a detailed examination and assessment by the EPA of a notification from Teagasc. In assessing the application the EPA has carried out extensive consultations with all appropriate state agencies and government departments including the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) as well as the National Advisory Committee on Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs). A total of 83 representations were received from interested parties and these were fully assessed as part of the licensing process.
The field trials will be carried out at one location at Oak Park, Co Carlow. The duration of the consent is for four years, from 2012 to 2016 (inclusive), with post-trial monitoring continuing until 2020. Planting will not exceed two hectares in area.
(CD)
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