Oz state bans GMO crops

[Guest guest]

Plan to ban genetically modified crops

 

By Roger Martin and Michael Bachelard

NEWS.com.au.

23Mar04

 

WESTERN Australia has become the first state to ban genetically modified

crops, declaring it wants to tap consumer sentiment against GM foods.

 

While the state had a moratorium on commercial GM crops until 2006, Premier

Geoff Gallop said he wanted to capitalise on the marketing benefits of a

full ban.

 

The ban would still allow laboratory and small field trials.

 

Most states have moratoriums on commercial GM crops, but Western Australia

is the first to ban them outright.

 

Dr Gallop said his state was adopting a "precautionary principle" on GM

crops.

 

"The jury is still out and, from a marketing point of view, it is very

important for Western Australia to keep its clean and green reputation," he

said.

 

"We certainly don't want to jeopardise our industry and, with the consumer

sentiment currently going against GM crops internationally, we want to make

sure our reputation is held intact."

 

The ban follows a parliamentary inquiry last year that suggested farmers

could capitalise on the state being declared GM-free. It found that at least

in the short term, there were market advantages in not embracing the new

technology.

 

The Victorian Government has yet to decide on a proposed commercial trial of

GM canola, even though a 12-month moratorium ends in a month. Faced with

backbench opposition, sources say the Government is watching the strength of

any political fallout over the NSW Government's announced trial.

 

Premier Steve Bracks said yesterday he would make an announcement within

weeks.

 

The West Australian ban has divided the community. The Pastoralists and

Graziers Association warned that it could lead to the decline or even

devastation of the agriculture.

 

PGA spokesman Leon Bradley said farmers would be fighting overseas and

interstate competitors with "one hand tied behind their backs" because other

producers would have access to more economic GM crops.

 

Mr Bradley accused the Gallop Government of caving in to the green lobby to

secure preferences at the next election.

 

But the West Australian Farmers Federation supports the ban after a survey

last year found most of its members were wary of GM crops.

 

WAFF spokesman Garry Hine said contamination of regular crops by GM crops

was a real risk and farmers were happy with the status quo.

 

Network of Concerned Farmers national spokeswoman Julie Newman said the

Government's decision was commendable.