The first Irish case of alleged sabotage of a genetically-modified crop will be heard at a two-day hearing of New Ross District Court in Co Wexford, beginning today.
Seven environmentalists are charged with causing criminal damage to a GM sugar beet trial on June 21st last.
Among the defendants is Mr John Seymour (84), the organic farmer and food writer; prominent figures in the Irish green movement and two freelance journalists whose work has concentrated on the GM food controversy.
When the case came before the court last month in a preliminary hearing, the group's defence solicitor indicated they would be producing "evidence of lawful excuse". The case centres on alleged damage totalling £16,000 to a test site at Arthurstown, Co Wexford.
The crop was the property of the US multinational, Monsanto, the first company to test GM crops in Ireland under licence from the Environmental Protection Agency. The beet was genetically engineered to withstand application of Monsanto's own herbicide, RoundUp.
There had been more extensive damage to the crop in the days prior to June 21st but no one has been charged in relation to this. The latter incident took place after a public meeting on GM food in nearby Duncannon, which was addressed by the Green MEP, Ms Nuala Ahern; the Green TD, Mr John Gormley, and the Socialist Party TD, Mr Joe Higgins, who may be called as witnesses.
