Scopical (North Ryde, NSW, Australia), November 28, 2007

GM FOOD APPROVAL CAUSES WIDESPREAD ANGER

[Rachel's introduction: "The lift of this moratorium completely disregards the 'precautionary principle' and the Department of Primary Industries has their heads in the sand if they think there won't be consequences of this decision, to both local farmers and to NSW's natural ecological systems."]

The NSW [New South Wales] Primary Industries Minister Ian McDonald has announced that he will lift the moratorium on genetically engineered crops in NSW and this spells disaster for the state's farmers and environment, Total Environment Centre (TEC) said today.

Previously, federally approved crops were blocked at the state level but a new law to be introduced into State Parliament allows genetically modified (GM) crops to be cultivated in NSW.

"The lift of this moratorium completely disregards the "precautionary principle" and the Department of Primary Industries has their heads in the sand if they think there won't be consequences of this decision, to both local farmers and to NSW's natural ecological systems," TEC Director, Jeff Angel said.

There has been previous evidence of trial GM canola crops contaminating non-GM crops in NSW in 2005. Despite the federal Office of the Gene Technology Regulator approving and regulating field trials and commercial releases of GM crops, it has conducted no independent testing, and relies on information from private biotechnology companies.

"The fact of the matter is that the key problems of contamination have still not been properly addressed and this poses a major threat," said Mr Angel.

Detailed studies conducted overseas have pointed to the introduction of GM crops leading to lower yields, continued dependency on chemical sprays, loss of exports and, more importantly, reduced profits for farmers the TEC says.

"With a society that is increasingly demanding healthy, organic, GM- free produce, this amendment threatens local and overseas markets which don't want GM products. Once crops become contaminated, everyone will be eating the same genetically tampered food and they won't have a choice," stated Mr. Angel.

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