ORGANIC INDUSTRY AT RISK; 

VICTORIA & NSW POISED TO RELEASE GE CANOLA

AN APPEAL FOR CONCERNS TO BE VOICED TO STATE GOVERNMENTS

Dear Organic Advantage subscriber,

Once again the organic industry is faced with the daunting task of protecting the integrity of its industry from the introduction and contamination of GE canola crops. At this present there is a distinct possibility that Victoria and NSW states may relax the present moratorium.

This would immediately put at risk of contamination both organic and non-GE conventional grain producers and processors. Increased costs for the organic sector as a result of this contamination would include testing, segregation, clean down of equipment etc.

Late pressure on both state governments, including from many backbenchers, appears to be having an affect. We ask if you would please call and email the Premier and Agriculture Minister in each state to voice your concerns for the organic sector and Australian markets in general.

The contact details are:
Premier of Victoria John Brumby 
Tel 03 9651 5000, Email: john.brumby@parliament.vic.gov.au  

Agriculture Minister of Victoria Joe Helper
Tel 03 9658 4670, Email: joe.helper@parliament.vic.gov.au  

Premier of NSW Morris Iemma
Tel (02) 9228 5239, Email: thepremier@www.nsw.gov.au 

Agriculture Minister of NSW Ian McDonald
Tel (02) 9228 3344, Email: macdonald.office@macdonald.minister.nsw.gov.au 

Please also read the press release below from GE FREE AUSTRALIA.


GE FREE AUSTRALIA, PRESS RELEASE, 22 NOV 07 

Coles joins food industry in speaking out against GE Food Crops

Supermarket giant Coles has joined industry leaders in speaking out against genetically engineered (GE) food, as the Victorian Government looks set to announce the lifting of their ban on the commercial growing of GE food crops.

When asked what Coles' position was, at a Parliamentary forum on Tuesday, Coles representative Chris Mara stated that, "Coles listens to our customers and over 90% do not want GM ingredients in their food and Coles whole private label range of 
'Smart Buy', 'You'll Love Coles' and 'Coles Finest' exclude all GM ingredients in response to customer concerns."

Coles statements come hot on the heels of Goodman Fielder, Australia's largest food company, Tatiara Meats, Australia’s largest lamb exporter and 250 other food companies calling on the State Governments to extend their bans of GE Food crops.

Scott Kinnear from Biological Farmers of Australia said, “If GE crops are introduced in Australia, non-GE and organic farmers will have to bear the crippling costs of testing, segregation, supply chain management and will be held liable if they sell non-GE product that is contaminated. 

“Australian farmers will lose valuable export markets and the country will lose its lucrative GE-free status forever. I urge the Government of Victoria and John Brumby to listen to its constituents by reconsidering its unpopular position and extend the ban.”

Greenpeace genetic engineering campaigner Louise Sales said, “It is blatantly clear that the food industry doesn’t want GE in their food supply chain and according to recent polls neither do the majority of consumers, farmers or our key export markets in Japan and Europe. Why is the Victorian government so determined to lift the bans? The only other stakeholder that appears to want GE food crops is the biotechnology industry which stands to make a fortune at everyone else's expense if this dangerous, unwanted technology is introduced.”

Gene Ethics Director Bob Phelps says, "Agribusiness has clearly not won the confidence of the rest of the food industry when it comes to GE crops. Until they have, the bans should stay."

State Governments introduced the moratoria on GE food crops in 2004 because of concerns within industry, the farming sector and regional communities about the impact of GE crops on markets. The Victorian government is set to make its decision to lift the ban based on the findings of a commissioned report by Sir Gus Nossal recently submitted to cabinet. However, the report which has not been released to the public, only investigates trade implications and does not examine health or environmental risks.

For further information: 
Scott Kinnear Biological Farmers of Australia 0419 881 729
Louise Sales Greenpeace 0438 679 263
Bob Phelps Gene Ethics 0408 195 099

Also visit: www.gefreeaustralia.org