Press Release: Industry avoid the truth about GM segregation problems
As farmers are commencing delivery of their canola, the agricultural industry is avoiding answering genuine questions from non-GM farmers who claim need answering prior to delivery. According to the Network of Concerned Farmers (NCF), the grain industry is accepting GM contamination but refusing to outline the difficult conditions and consequences for non-GM farmers.
"This is a tragic and deplorable situation where no one will answer my questions." said Geoffrey Carracher, canola farmer from Minimay and NCF spokesperson.
"It is not going to be possible to sell as non-GM which shows how Governments and Grower Organisations have been bought by big businesses to profit by sabotaging Australian rural industries and clean green image."
Victorian farmers were recently advised of a 3 day delay after delivery of non-GM canola while the storage and handler Graincorp determined if GM canola was detected in the combined non-GM canola silo. David Ginns of Graincorp was contacted with questions including reported GM price penalties up to $15/tonne, inability to meet contract provisions, compensation, further liability for accidental contamination and legal recourse.
"I also asked, what fines and what level of contamination is required before Monsanto deducts their end point royalty payment from my grain payments?" added Mr Carracher. "This appears to be up to Monsanto’s discretion which leaves farmers wondering if we are signing a blank cheque to Monsanto on delivery."
David Ginns from Graincorp responded with "If you have any questions relating to Roundup Ready canola, please address them to either Monsanto, the owner of the technology, or to the Australian Oilseeds Federation."
The NCF contacted Monsanto, Nufarm, the Australian Oilseeds Federation and more recently, Grain Trade Australia. The only response to date is from the Australian Oilseeds Federation who stated:
"The questions you ask are really a matter between yourself and your receival site and/or bulk handler."
"But Graincorp is our receival site and bulk handler but they refuse to answer the questions," explained Mr Carracher.
"So we are left with the problem of all delivering our canola, not knowing if we have contamination or if we can fill our signed non-GM contracts, if we will lose our market or be paid less. We may even be fined or charged user fees for the contamination we could not avoid."
"Everyone is passing the buck as nobody wants to tell us the truth that non-GM farmers are faced with additional costs and liabilities that we have been previously told will not be a problem."
"It’s just not good enough."
Media Contact:
Geoff Carracher (Pronounced "Karr – a – her") Minimay, Victoria Ph: 03 5386 6261
Further correspondence available and updated at
www.graincorp.com.au/harvest09 , www.australianoilseeds.com or www.monsanto.com.au
Grain Trade Australia Response from Geoff Honey:
"Please advise who at GrainCorp referred you to GTA." Followed by: "The questions raised in your email relate to commercial undertakings relating to storage, contracting and resulting legal implications. GTA is tasked with development of standards (wheat and coarse grain whilst AOF develop the oilseeds standards) and contracts, however, it is up to industry participants as to how they utilise those resources.
GTA does not engage in running commentary on how organisations conduct their commercial activities across the supply chain."
Further correspondence to Minister for Agriculture from Geoffrey Carracher:
