GMW: Enough of the GM bulldust!

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GMW: Enough of the GM bulldust!

" GM WATCH " <info

Wed, 15 Jun 2005 10:07:49 +0100

 

 

 

 

GM WATCH daily

http://www.gmwatch.org

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http://www.non-gm-farmers.com/news_details.asp?ID=2209

Enough of the GM bulldust!

 

The Network of Concerned Farmers (NCF) today released a comprehensive

presentation titled " Beyond the Bulldust of Genetically Modified Crops -

the Case for Strict Liability " in both DVD and video format. The

presentation details the specific GM benefit, alternatives, risks and the

risk management needed to manage this controversial crop.

 

" We have given specific referenced detail why agronomically and

economically GM canola will fail to benefit Australian farmers, " said Mrs

Newman, the

author of the presentation and national spokesperson for the NCF. " We

have also explained how and why GM crops are being rammed down the

throats of farmers and reluctant consumers. "

 

The Network of Concerned Farmers (NCF), an alliance of conventional and

organic farmers throughout Australia are pushing for fair risk

management as they wish to maintain the right to market an uncontaminated

consumer preferred non-GM product. These farmers are insisting on a

strict

liabilityregime to ensure farmers are compensated by the GM companies

for any economic loss associated with GM crops.

 

Despite the West Australian moratorium banning the commercial release

of genetically modified crops, there has recently been Federal GM wheat

trials planted in Corrigin, WA. Farmers themselves are the main

investors in this technology through a company called Council of Grain

Growers

Organisation (COGGO) who have funded the development of a GM salt

tolerant wheat.

 

" Our wheat customers do not want GM wheat or any trace of it and yet it

is possible that pollen could remain viable for up to half an hour on

the wind. These trails need wind buffers in order to prevent pollen

travelling duringflowering time. "

 

" If the GM companies were liable for economic loss, they would be far

more careful. "

 

" Greed, ignorance and arrogance is no excuse to deny fair risk

management. There are good reasons why consumers are rejecting GM

products but

if

farmers do not have a choice, consumers will not either, " explained Mrs

Newman.

 

The launch was held at Parliament House in Perth and farmers have

commenced distributing the presentation to key politicians and others

involved in the GM debate with an aim to influence both State and Federal

legislation to adopt a strict liability regime.

 

Contact:

 

Julie Newman - West Australia 08 98711562 or 08 98711644

 

 

 

 

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