[Greens-Media] Greens worst fears proven as WA farmers head to court over GM contamination

[Walker, Nadine]

Greens worst fears proven as WA farmers head to court over GM contamination
Media statement, Friday, 7 February 2014. 

On the eve of a trial that is the first of its kind in the world, Greens MLC Lynn MacLaren will encourage all Western Australians to support organic farmer Steve Marsh, who has lost organic certification on 70% of his land due to contamination from a neighbour's GM canola. 

"Mr Marsh is fighting for choice, he is fighting for Western Australian farmers to grow organic crops for a lucrative market without concerns about uncontrollable contamination. This choice filters down to consumers that want the option of an organic alternative to GM - this concerns us all. 

"When the Barnett State Government lifted a ban in 2010 for the commercial cultivation of GM canola, I predicted that it would damage the livelihood of non-GM farmers. In Parliament in 2009 I moved to disallow the Government's GM crop order, I campaigned relentlessly with my constituents at anti-GMO rallies and in the chamber.  

"Now we are facing the reality we all feared. The cross contamination occurred the same year the ban was lifted, four years on Steve Marsh is facing a costly and exhausting court battle with his neighbour. 

"The State Government provided no protection for farmers like Steve when it lifted the gate to GMO crops. I have argued for better farmer protection laws so that folks like Steve don't face this expensive ordeal in court.

"I am sure Mr Marsh did not want a court case with his neighbour, however with Monsanto repeatedly refusing to pay compensation for cross-contamination, the WA farmers have no choice but to build a civil legal case against one another. 

"Whether it is identified that Mr Marsh or neighbouring farmer Michael Baxter are responsible, this case will set precedent for the rest of the world on who is answerable for contaminated crops". 

The Greens WA have fought long term to keep commercially cultivated GM crops of out Western Australia, our main concerns being the altering of native flora and fauna or threatening native animals, the patenting and commercial control of life forms and the impact on the lucrative and clean green image of the organic grower industry. The Greens will continue to campaign against GMO in the state.    

For comment: Hon Lynn MacLaren MLC
Mobile 0403 721 951

Media liaison: Nadine Walker
Mobile 0449 189 195

Office of Hon Lynn MacLaren MLC, Member for South Metropolitan Region
Legislative Council, Parliament of Western Australia
Unit 7, 142 South Terrace, Fremantle, Western Australia 6160
Tel 08 9430 7233
Nadine.Walker at mp.wa.gov.au   www.LynnMacLaren.org.au