[Greens-Media] NSW farmers at odds on extending GE moratorium

[Alison Orme]

MEDIA RELEASE Greens MP Lee Rhiannon - 18 July 2007

NSW farmers at odds on extending GE moratorium
 
Greens MP Lee Rhiannon said the NSW Farmers Association is not
representing the best interests of NSW farmers by siding with the pro GE
lobby that is pushing for the lifting of the moratorium on GE crops at
yesterday's NSW farmers' annual conference. 

"Two conflicting motions were put to delegates, one supporting
continuing the current moratorium on growing GE crops and the other
opposing it," Ms Rhiannon said. 

"A majority of delegates voted to continue lobbying to lift the current
GE moratorium, but this hides rising opposition from groups such as the
Network of Concerned Farmers.

"The determining vote shows the strength of agri companies like
chemical giant Monsanto which are circling farmers like sharks in a bid
to set up favourable commercial opportunities in future.

"Some farmers in NSW are feeling anxious about risking their share of
the market to countries around the world which have embraced GE-free
crops. The NSW Farmers Association is no longer representing the needs
of these farmers. 

"Grain producers are reaping premium prices for GE-free canola in world
markets. 

"Many consumers are also keenly aware of the growing evidence of the
health and environmental risks of having genetically engineered
organisms in the food chain. 

"The Iemma government would be economically negligent if it loosened
restrictions in March 2008, when the existing moratorium on the
commercial growing of GE crops is set to expire.

"The Minister for Primary Industries Ian McDonald is a GE sceptic and
he cannot be trusted to make the right decision for farmers and
consumers on this critical issue.

"The Greens are calling on the Iemma government to extend the
moratorium on commercial GE crops in NSW. 

"It is important that thorough independent research is conducted to
provide concrete evidence that there are no adverse health or
environmental effects from GE crops, before NSW lifts existing
restrictions. 

"The US and Argentinian experience shows herbicide use is not reduced
by using GE crops and in fact herbicide resistance in weeds has
increased in areas where GE crops are grown. 

"There is also no conclusive evidence proving the yield advantages of
GE canola," Ms Rhiannon said. 

For more information:  Lee Rhiannon – 9230 3551, 0427 861 568



Alison Orme
Adviser, Greens MLC Lee Rhiannon (p/t Wed-Fri)
Macquarie St, Sydney 2000
Tel: +61-2-9230 3551 Fax: +61-2-9230 3550
Mobile: 0432 332 104
Email alison.orme at parliament.nsw.gov.au 
Web www.leerhiannon.org.au