WA markets affected by GM canola

GENE ETHICS

Genetically Manipulated canola will likely impact sales in Japan WA state official says. GM canola will cost farmers dearly, with lost markets in Asia and Europe.

“The WA government ignored the advice of its own officials and other evidence that export markets would be harmed, when it lifted its GM crop ban,” says Gene Ethics Director, Bob Phelps.

“WA should rejoin the SA, ACT and Tasmanian bans on commercial GM canola.

“This would protect the integrity of its clean, green brand and increase sales of the state’s top quality GM-free foods around the world, at premium prices.

“Lost access to markets due to GM canola is a disaster waiting to happen.

“WA, NSW and Victoria should nurture their farmers’ independence from the GM giants, by banning failed and dangerous GM technology that offers nothing to farmers or shoppers.

“We call for the whole of Australia to again be GM-free, with bans on GM crops,” Mr Phelps concludes.

Comment: 03 9889 1717 (H) 0449 769 066 (M) 03 9347 4500 (O)
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ABC News: June 7 2009
http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2009/06/07/2591540.htm
Email claims Japanese GM concerns

There is concern about the WA State Government’s views on GM crops. (User supplied)

Email correspondence has revealed WA’s trade commissioner to Japan has serious concerns about the production and sale of genetically modified crops to Japan.

The emails, obtained under freedom of information laws, were written in January and discuss the Premier’s visit to Japan in February.

One of the emails, written by Craig Peacock, the WA trade commissioner to Japan says, there is a strong concern the new government is ignoring the concerns of a major customer base.

It goes on to say the concerns will eventually have a negative impact on all facets of Japan-WA agribusiness.

The State Opposition’s Mark McGowan (T: 08 9592 7422 F: 08 9592 1683 E: mark.mcgowan@mp.wa.gov.au) says the government needs to re-instate the moratorium on GM crops.

“Japan is our number one trading partner in terms of agricultural and fisheries products, more than $840 million a year of trade that we send to Japan,” he said.

Tags: government-and-politics, agricultural-crops, agricultural-policy, genetically-modified-organisms,