[Greens-Media] GM ban lift threatens markets - Greens

[Norton, Tim (Sen R. Siewert)]

GM ban lift threatens markets - Greens
Friday 29th February 2008

"The lifting of bans on Genetically Modified crops today in Victoria and
New South Wales will threaten Australia's clean, green reputation and
cost farmers huge amounts of money," said Senator Rachel Siewert.

"The evidence from the Gene Technology Regulator last week in Senate
Estimates indicated very clearly that there was not a national
segregation system in place and farmers and consumers would be left to
pay the price of contamination."

"The ban is being lifted today, but they have no way to ensure that
non-GM crops using trucks, silos and handling facilities that have
stored and transported GM crops are not contaminated," said Senator
Siewert.

"This will threaten our premium markets."

"It is not fair that non-GM farmers should have to bear the cost of
contamination." 

"The onus should be on those who want to take the risk of moving over to
genetically engineered crops to provide separate handling and transport
facilities and bear the costs of any contamination," she said.

"The Greens believe that the states should not be lifting the bans on GM
crops. Certainly not until the problems with regulation and
infrastructure have been solved," concluded Senator Siewert.

For more information or comment call Chris Twomey on 0407 725 025
Email senator.siewert at aph.gov.au  |  http://www.rachelsiewert.org.au