An Update on GM food issues in NSW
In March 2008 New South Wales government voted to allow the five-year ban on the growing of Genetically Modified (GM) crops to lapse, much to the chagrin of many concerned farmers and consumers across the state. Dr Moyes had voted against lifting the ban, arguing that it would damage the state’s export trade and had the potential to endanger the health of the people and animals that ate it. Interestingly, Tasmania has prudently maintained its state ban for at least another five years.
In the past year since that ruling went into effect in NSW there have been a number of developments, including the creation of online interactive maps showing where GM crops are being grown in the State. According to the organisation Gene Ethics these maps of GM crops are a public service showing only farms and receiving depots where news reports have confirmed that Monsanto’s Roundup-tolerant GM canola is being grown.
In addition, many GM-free rural industries, local councils, food processors, and others in the food chain, requested a public register of GM crop sites to help them avoid GM contamination. All of these enterprises have begun, through certification, quality assurance and audits, to exclude from their products, services and facilities all GM soy, corn, canola or cotton – and any products from animals that were fed GM feed. To view the maps for yourself please go to http://www.geneethics.org/maps As you will see the GM canola growers shown on the map are far outnumbered by supporters of GM-free agriculture.
GM contamination poses hazards to everyone’s health and environment, and takes away Australian citizens’ right to choose GM-free food. It has even been reported that Chinese shoppers prefer chemical free and GM free goods in the aftermath of the melamine poisoning episode last year that raised the general awareness of the importance of trustworthy, uncontaminated food sources. That being the case then NSW is endangering its agricultural industry, as many Australian food processors and retailers have also established GM-free policies, in response to local and international consumer demand.
On the personal level, every time you shop you can choose to support GM-free by refusing to buy any GM products. Always read the label to make sure it guarantees there is no GM food in the product.
Recent studies from Sweden confirm that GM canola contamination is permanent and irreversible, as it can lie dormant and then germinate up to 10 years after it is blown into or otherwise transported into a new site, such as adjoining farmlands. If our leaders were wise they would reconsider their position on this issue, and join Tasmania in their continued ban on GM crops.
