New report shatters GE crop myths
Melbourne, Wednesday 18 September, 2002: A comprehensive report launched today, reveals that most genetically engineered (GE) crops in North America have not delivered the benefits that were promised to farmers.
The study carried out by the UK Soil Association, shatters industry myths that GE crops produce higher yields, reduce herbicide use and benefit the economy. Included in the report is the revelation that between 1999 and 2001, GE crops actually cost the US economy up to US$12 billion dollars.
Released internationally today, the report has disturbing implications for Australia, as regulators, farmers and politicians have six months in which to decide whether they will allow the commercial introduction of GE canola. While canola is the first GE food crop proposed to be grown commercially in Australia, North American farmers have been growing GE crops for some six years. The Soil Association report is the first comprehensive study to assess the economic and social impact of GE crops in North America.
Molong (NSW) canola grower Arthur Bowman, said that Australian farmers would do well to heed the report's findings. "Despite promises of increased yields, many North American farmers are reporting the opposite" he said. "In many cases, farmers are also having to use more herbicides. They have lost access to markets and have lower profitability. We need to learn from the mistakes of North America, not copy them".
The report, which profiles individual farmers, also details social impacts experienced by those growing GE. "GE contamination in North America has led to a host of legal issues over patents and lost markets - with farmers suing and being sued" said Scott Kinnear, spokesperson for the Biological Farmers of Australia. "We don't want this kind of conflict in rural communities in Australia".
Arthur Bowman continued that the report shows in no uncertain terms, that GE crops have become a burden, not a blessing, for North American farmers. "The proposed introduction of GE wheat, is being met with stiff resistance from the Canadian Wheat Board, US and Canadian Farmers Unions and over 200 other groups, who are calling for a ban or moratorium on its introduction" Bowman said. "This brings the future of GE crops into question".
Scott Kinnear concluded the report reiterates the risks posed to Australian farmers by GE crops. "Australia currently has a clean and green image. Our non-GE status gives us better market access and a point of difference in international markets" he said. "Why would we jeopardise this, when the claimed benefits of GE crops in North America, do not seem to have been realised?"
Scott Kinnear, Biological Farmers of Australia: 0419 881 729
Arthur Bowman, canola farmer, NSW: 0427 455 707
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