|
GM - 1110 farmers said yes
01/10/08
One farmer says no to GM (The Canberra Times Food and Wine, 1 October 2008). Interesting story but what about the 110 canola farmers that said yes this year and, after being accredited, planted all the available seed of our first GM canola crop, or the 1000 cotton farmers who planted GM cotton which has been growing in Australia for 12 years. Isn’t it time we aimed for some balance? Farmers are innovators who produce healthy, safe, affordable food, through responsibly managing the land. They do this by utilising new technologies which help them to cope with challenges, such as drought, and assist in driving productivity. Like all business people, they review options, costs and markets before making decisions.
Genetically modified (GM) crops have been growing around the world and in Australia since 1996. Every farm association in Australia last year called on governments to put GM canola in the ground. Some did this simply because they believe they should have access to approved and tested new crop varieties, others did it because they wanted to see if the promises of GM canola – superior weed control, higher yields, better oil quality and reduced herbicide use – were delivered on-farm. Reports to date have been positive, although some farmers are still hopeful for rain.
One individual visiting Canberra may have an interesting yarn to tell, but it does not reflect the majority opinion. Importantly every individual, farmers and consumers included, has choice, so let’s make a well-informed one.
Paula Fitzgerald
Agrifood Awareness Australia Limited
|
