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Symbolic or simply looking back?
The Central Western Daily
28/07/05
I simply cannot wait to come ‘home’ next weekend to the newly declared “GM Free Zone”. Congratulations Orange City Council on the decision of the year! I think the councillors of “Australia’s colour city” should be a shade of red.
Just a few hours from Orange, in our regional neighbourhood, GM cotton has been growing since 1996. The cotton has reduced pesticide use by 50 per cent per season with CSIRO predicting new varieties will see pesticide reductions up to 75 per cent. Cotton is a $1.7 billion a year industry.
As councillors would be aware, agriculture contributes to sustaining rural communities – and to do this, it has to change. Agriculture worldwide has improved for centuries through innovation and the adoption of new technologies – underpinned by science, a commitment to research and development, and the recognition of the importance of extension (much of which takes place at the local agricultural department). Perhaps Orange City Councillors, particularly Councillor Buckingham would do well to visit some cotton farms and learn first hand what new technologies, like gene technology, can deliver to regional Australia.
I would strongly encourage Councillor Buckingham to check his facts before moving “symbolic” motions and speaking to the media. In a recent radio interview, he stated that imported food, primarily from America, did not contain GM labelling. Australia has had GM food labelling since 2001. This labelling was introduced, not for scientific reasons, but in recognition of consumer choice. It applies equally to local produce as it does to imported food. That is, all food sold in Australia must comply with our food laws, and as such, food with GM ingredients is required to be labelled.
Further, in the same interview, Councillor Buckingham stated that there is a lack of regulation in Australia. Australia has one of, if not the, most rigorous, science-based, gene technology regulatory frameworks in the world. It is this regulation, combined with responsible management from the agricultural sector, which has played an enormous part in the successful adoption and use of GM cotton.
Regional Australia does not have such a good reputation in our major capital cities. I spend considerable time promoting Orange and its surrounds – the art gallery, our emphasis on theatre, our delicious produce and the growing number of fantastic restaurants and wineries. I want to promote a dynamic and innovative city – not one clinging to the past. Here’s hoping Orange City Council might seek factual information in the future and pass motions which are forward looking for our farmers and our students considering careers in science and agriculture.
Paula Fitzgerald
Executive Director
Agrifood Awareness Australia Limited
Canberra
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