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For use: Friday 21 February 2003
"Food Safety and Farmers’ Rights"
GM Canola: Ready or Not?
The Network of Concerned Farmers (NCF) will host an 11 day speaking tour in four States from
2 - 13 March 2003, on the implications of genetically modified (GM) food and crops. (Locations, times on page 2).
WA farmer, Mrs Julie Newman explained that with less than three months before the Office of Gene Technology Regulator hands down a decision on the commercial release of GM canola, this tour is to inform farmers of the reality of the proposed coexistence protocols.
"It ‘s critical that our industry identifies and addresses problems before commercial release of GM canola. Priority must be given to economic assessment, protection of our existing systems and industry readiness for release," Mrs Newman said.
Entitled, "Food Safety and Farmers Rights" in major cities and "GM Canola: Ready or Not?" in rural areas, the tour will feature:
§ Bob Willick, Farmer, Saskatchewan. A former grower of Roundup Ready Canola, Bob has recently converted to organic farming. Bob and 1000 other farmers are mounting a class action against Monsanto and Bayer seeking to recover damages associated with the release of GM canola in Canada. He will talk about liability, agronomic issues of roundup ready canola, and the reality of coexistence in Canada.
§ West Australian grain farmer and processor Julie Newman, WA who will outline the implications of the draft Australian Genetically Modified (GM) coexistence protocols.
§ Dr Judy Carman, Public Health Association of Australia who will speak on the health risks and regulation of GE foods; and
§ Mr Scott Kinnear, Biological Farmers of Australia who will give an overview of labelling laws and liability issues.
"Consumers need to be aware that until Australian labelling laws improve they are eating in the dark. Highly refined ingredients from GE sources such as cooking oils, sugars and starches don’t have to be labelled under Australian law," Dr Judy Carman said.
"A review by the Public Health Association of Australia of documents produced by Food Standards Australia New Zealand revealed that these foods were passed as safe to eat without any human safety testing. Some weren’t even tested on animals. Until the longitudinal health effects have been studied, the impact of GE foods on our health is a complete question mark. During the tour I’ll be letting consumers know how they can become better informed on this issue," she said.
ENDS.
Further information: Penny Townley, Secretariat and Media, NCF, tel: (02) 6672 8373 or
mobile (0414) 244 710 - Network of Concerned Farmers’ website: www.non-gm-farmers.com <http://www.non-gm-farmers.com>
Queensland - "Food safety and Farmers rights"
6pm, Sunday 2 March 2003 Queensland Parliament House, Annexe entrance
off Alice Street, Brisbane
7pm, Monday 3 March 2003 Laurel Bank Hall, Laurel Bank Park, Hill Street, Toowoomba
New South Wales - "GM Canola: Ready or Not?"
7pm, Wednesday 5 March 2003 Cudal Public Hall, Cudal
7pm, Thursday 6 March, 2003 Wagga Wagga Leagues Club, Gurwood Street
8.30am, Friday 7 March 2003 Charles Sturt University, 614 Olive Street, Student Union Building, The Shed, Albury
(in association with NEVA - North East Victorians Against GM)
Victoria - "Food safety and Farmers rights"
7.30pm, Friday 7 March 2003 Capital Theatre, View Street, Bendigo
5pm, Sunday 9 March 2003 Organic Wholefoods Studio, 452 Lygon Street,
East Brunswick
Melbourne
Victoria - "GM Canola: Ready or Not?"
6pm, Monday 10 March 2003 Horsham Sports and Community Centre,
Baillie Street, Horsham
South Australia - "Food safety and Farmers rights"
7pm, Tuesday 11 March 2003 Burnside Community Centre, 401 Greenhill Road, Tusmore, Adelaide
South Australia - "GM Canola: Ready or Not?"
8pm, Wednesday12 March 2003 Clare Town Hall, Gleeson Street, Clare
Inquiries: Penny Townley, NCF office: Tel: (02) 6672 8373 or (0414) 244 710 |
