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Fear replaces science
The Weekly Times
23/02/05
It would seem that John Hepburn of Greenpeace and I have almost agreed on something. Mr Hepburn (WT, February 23) suggests that one of the major problems with the gene technology debate is the fact that the “normal scientific process has been suspended in place of a highly politicised and ideological PR machine” and that this in turn undermines public trust in science.
Mr Hepburn fails to acknowledge, however, that his work is focussed on achieving this unfortunate outcome.
Greenpeace is campaigning, according to their website, to “prevent” GM products in Australia as part of a global initiative. They are not campaigning for scientific assessment, or opportunities for farmers to see and compare products and make careful decisions.
In a current Greenpeace job advertisement (http://www.greenpeace.org.au/jobs/) the successful applicant will work to “prevent the release of GE organisms into the environment”. They will also work with farmers and others to “force political change”. The essential qualities and skills include “a passion for social and environmental justice and a commitment to Greenpeace core values” and a “good understanding of the political landscape of GE foods and crops”. The job description makes no mention of understanding rural issues and science or a balanced assessment of evidence.
Analysing and comparing international scientific studies and industry experiences with gene technology can be quite dry. Perhaps this is why Mr Hepburn and his colleagues prefer instead to dress up in chicken costumes, and paint graffiti on offices and ships, in an attempt to create fear in the community about the safety of our food supply. Such stunts might be amusing if they were not risking the research base of Australian agriculture, limiting farmers’ options and potentially leaving rural Australia with less competitive and inferior technology.
Paula Fitzgerald
Executive Director
Agrifood Awareness Australia Limited
Canberra
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