GM

"But
how much more will it cost?"

"I
won't be able to pass it on to my customers?"

BFA Press Release, 28 November 2007

Senator Bob Brown, leader of the Greens in Federal Parliament, has called on Prime Minister elect Kevin Rudd to overule the NSW and Victorian state governments on lifting the ban on Genetically modified canola crops: "This is a nation- changing decision being made by two state governments. It has huge ramifications across Australia - the Constitution ensures that there can be no confinement of the GM produce to the states involved," Senator Brown said. "Australia's premium status as a GM-free food producer is being sabotaged by Premiers Brumby and Iemma. The Constitution, including its corporations power, enables Mr Rudd to override them, and so he should," Senator Brown said yesterday (November 28).

Related: Organic farmers and consumers lose their choice by Vic & NSW GE canola green light | Greenpeace protest

The
NSW and Victorian Governments have today (27 November) lifted the ban
on commercial growing of genetically-modified (GM) canola crops,
despite pleas from the Western Australian and Tasmanian Governments,
and over 250 companies in the food business to maintain the moratorium, and Japanese food buyers urging continuation of the ban in October. The moratorium on GM canola will be lifted from February/March 2008.

Related: Network of Concerned Farmers report: The Economics of Genetically Modified Canola (PDF 2.39MB | Text 85.9KB) | Audio: Jeffrey M.Smith on the documented health risks of eating GM food | Gene Ethics Network | Take online action | Greens Leader calls for new PM to overule States on GM Ban