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Agricultural Innovation – no chance!
West Australian
09/02/05
West Australia’s non-GM campaigner, Julie Newman, globally distributed a letter last week written by Agriculture Minister Kim Chance which viciously attacks gene technology (see www.non-gm-farmers.com). While Mrs Newman appears proud of the correspondence, it ultimately paints a depressing picture for her rural colleagues and the future of agribusiness in Western Australia.
Despite the attention gene technology has received during his term and the extensive research and trials his own Department has invested in, Mr Chance’s letter rejects both the science-based principles of his Department and a large volume of international scientific data.
Documents on the WA Department of Agriculture website state:
- “The Department believes that the use of biotechnology in agriculture could ultimately benefit farmers, food manufacturers and consumers. As a science based organisation we would be failing in our responsibilities if we did not investigate any new technologies which might present significant advances for the industry.”
- “In spite of very detailed studies no evidence has yet been found which might indicate that foods produced from GM crops are any different to the same non-GM crops.”
- “In spite of very extensive critical studies there has not been a single confirmed case of an adverse effect from the consumption of such [GM] foodstuffs.”
Mr Chance claims to be looking after the “interests” of West Australians. Denying rural constituents the opportunity to thoroughly assess new products and technologies on a case-by-case basis does not to achieve this end.
His Department aims, apparently, to “enhance the international competitiveness of the State’s agribusiness”. In respect to GM crops, a Departmental reports states, “… the majority of Western Australia’s current export markets are considered to be a low risk market of low concern towards GM crops and at this stage, GMOs are a low threat to the Western Australian grain export industry.”
Producers in Australia’s largest grain growing state rely on innovation and new technologies. They deserve sensible policies, not bans, which provide the opportunity to assess new technologies – not in an office or a glasshouse but on the farm from where they derive their livelihood.
John Lovett (Professor)
Chairman
Agrifood Awareness Australia Limited (Canberra)
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