South Australian GM canola 'trials' threaten GM-free status
08 November 2010Bayer Cropscience has applied to 'trial' genetically manipulated herbicide tolerant canola at 21 sites of up to 6 hectares each, in Victoria and 'GM-free' South Australia, from January 2011. The South Australian government has granted the proposed 'trials' an exemption from the ban on GM canola, in force until 2014 at least.
Gene Ethics Executive Director Bob Phelps says: "Victoria and NSW experience shows that so-called 'trials' were used as a lever to end GM bans and allow the unconditional, unrestricted and uncontrolled commercial growing of GM canola."
"We urge the South Australian government, with the support of the Liberal opposition, the Greens and most independents, to keep the GM genie in the bottle totally and permanently."
"The federal Office of Gene Technology Regulator is expected to notify six South Australian local government areas - Grant, Kingston, Mt Gambier, Naracoorte/Lucindale, Robe and Wattle Range - of Bayer's intention to hold GM trials, despite their long history of council opposition to GM crops."
"Gene Ethics has asked these councils to renew their opposition to GM crops by rejecting the proposed trials in their areas."
"They should take their lead from the Donnybrook-Balingup Shire in Western Australia."
At their last meeting, Donnybrook-Balingup shire councillors unanimously opposed Monsanto's application to field trial GM canola in their area from 2011 to 2014.
"Every time the state's GM-free status is compromised, South Australia's GM-free farmers risk losing the $15/tonne premium they now receive as favoured suppliers of GM-free canola."
"Previous GM canola 'trials' were always during summer when conventional canola crops were not grown. But the summer and winter plantings now proposed would greatly increase the risk that wind and insects will contaminate the winter canola crop in south eastern South Australia with GM pollen and seed.
"Gene Ethics' Cropwatch program has uncovered numerous instances of rogue GM canola growing on roadsides and contaminating non-GM supply chains wherever GM canola is grown."
"Keeping South Australia GM-free should be a priority for government, the food industry and shoppers," Mr Phelps concludes.
Background
Weatherill drives pre-election debate - ABC ...
South Austraila: GM-Free till 2014!
Some recent GM canola contamination
http://www.smh.com.au/environment/gm-canola-found-outside-containment-area-20090924-g4s9.html
http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2008/11/26/2429844.htm
Rogue GM canola found on roadsides, eaten by sheep
Proposed Local Government Areas in which GM canola and Indian mustard may be released during winter and summer growing seasons
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Winter growing season |
Summer growing season |
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Victoria |
South Australia |
Victoria |
South Australia |
|
Ararat |
Grant |
Ararat |
Grant |
|
Colac-Otway |
Kingston |
Colac-Otway |
Kingston |
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Corangamite |
Mount Gambier |
Corangamite |
Mount Gambier |
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Glenelg |
Naracoorte/Lucindale |
Glenelg |
Naracoorte/Lucindale |
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Golden Plains |
Robe |
Golden Plains |
Robe |
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Hindmarsh |
Wattle Range |
Moorabool |
Wattle Range |
|
Horsham |
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Moyne |
|
|
Moorabool |
|
Northern Grampians |
|
|
Moyne |
|
Southern Grampians |
|
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Northern Grampians |
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Surf Coast |
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|
Warrnambool |
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Warrnambool |
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