1.Democrats to bid to extend GM ban in SA
2.Company listens to consumer concerns
3.Praise for Trans-Tasman Giant's GM-Free Policy
EXTRACT: 'Australian governments have ignored nature's limits with climate change. We can't make the same mistake with our food sources.' (item 1)
'It is good to know that Goodman Fielder, our biggest staple food company, is listening to consumers and supporting the need to have reliable data on the environment and health effects of these crops.' (item 3)
---
1.Democrats to bid to extend GM ban in SA
AAP, 19 November 2007
http://news.sbs.com.au/worldnewsaustralia/democrats_to_bid_to_extend_gm_ban_in_sa_135305
The Australian Democrats will move to extend a ban on genetically modified crops in South Australia until 2013.
The current moratorium on GM crops is due to expire at the end of March next year.
State Democrat MP Sandra Kanck said there had been no moves from the state Labor government to extend the ban despite growing support from consumers for SA to remain GM free.
'Australian governments have ignored nature's limits with climate change,' Ms Kanck said.
'We can't make the same mistake with our food sources.
'If Australia wants to keep its clean, green image and ensure food security it must keep GM crops out.'
Ms Kanck will introduce her bill to state parliament on Wednesday to extend the GM moratorium until 2013.
She said that would give scientists a chance to provide some definitive answers on the benefits or dangers associated with GM foods.
'But until they can prove its safety, we should not take the risk of letting this technology free' Ms Kanck said.
---
2.Company listens to consumer concerns
Rural Report for Monday, November 19 2007
http://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/newsdetail1.asp?storyID=127724
Food giant Goodman Fielder wants Australia's GE moratorium to be extended by five years. South Australia, Victoria and New South Wales are all reviewing whether to keep the ban on genetically-engineered crops, as it is due to end next April.
GE Free New Zealand president Claire Bleakley says Goodman Fielder is a trans-Tasman body listening to consumers' concerns about GE. She says it may force the GE companies to do the research that is needed to ensure human and environmental health is safe.
Ms Bleakley says more stringent research data is needed to show how bad genetic engineering is.
---
3.Praise for Trans-Tasman Giant's GM-Free Policy
Press Release: GE Free NZ, 19 November 2007
GE Free NZ (in food and environment) is welcoming food giant Goodman Fielder's decision to support continuation of Australia's GM moratorium and to put the wishes of their consumers first.
Despite federal government pushing for GM releases most states in Australia have backed moratoria and are seeing their farmers and food producers benefit from being able to a supply the massive market for GM-free ingredients.
Over the last few months the Australian government has been visited by Jeffery Smith a science journalist specialising in GMO's, as well as by a Japanese delegation representing 23 of their largest consumer groups. Both delegations warned the Australian government and farmers about the strong consumer aversion to GM foods.
New Zealand producers are already heeding similar warnings and have stayed GM-free.
Jeffery Smith's new book documents the problems and unknown risks posed by GMO's and raises serious questions about the environmental and health impacts of these crops.
The decision on GMO's in Australia directly affects New Zealand as it has very close ties with Australia. Both countries benefit from a positive market image, including being GM-free, and a trans-Tasman body: Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ), sets food standards for both countries.
'It is good to know that Goodman Fielder, our biggest staple food company, is listening to consumers and supporting the need to have reliable data on the environment and health effects of these crops,' said Claire Bleakley of GE Free NZ (in food and environment).
As concern for environmental issues and sustainability continues, the way food is grown and even the way it is packaged is increasingly important feature for consumers, especially in New Zealand's and Australia's most high-value export markets.
The decision by Goodman Fielder follows on from a large smoothie company 'Innocent' also confirming it is choosing to stay with recycled packaging (PET) instead of polylactic packaging (PLA) derived from a GMO corn starch plastic. In explaining the decision they cited virgin land being used for production of packaging and the use of corn that is genetically modified.
'The environmental benefit of being able to produce GM-free, organic and low-residue conventional foods is also matched by the economic benefits,' said Jon Carapiet from GE Free NZ ( in food and environment).
'Australia and New Zealand farmers and food manufacturers must be on guard to protect their reputation or risk a collapse in consumer confidence and in exports vital to both economies'.
ENDS