
Issue No 63		21 July 2000

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Environment

Farmers Fudge DNA Dangers

By Lee Rhiannon - Greens MLC

Farmers have missed the chance to have a meaningful debate into the use of genetically modified crops.

Last Monday Sydney seemed an odd venue for a gathering of farmers. But by Wednesday, with the interests of the big end of town stamped over the major decisions of the conference of the NSW Farmers Association (NFA), the decision to avoid a rural venue was not surprising.

The hottest topic at this year's conference was genetically modified (GE) crops, and the companies that are slaughtering the family farm were richly rewarded. In a controversial session, marred by what some conference observers said was gagging of debate and refusal to count votes on closely contested issues, the NFA endorsed the commercial release of genetically modified products.

Mr Hugh Roberts, chairperson of the Association's biotechnology taskforce, told the conference that consumers did not care about genetically engineered products. He dismissed labelling as a superfluous issue and attempted to denigrate opposition to GE products as "hysteria" whipped up by green groups.

Mr Roberts sidestepped the fact that 90% of Australian consumers have consistently called for labelling. His outburst against GE activists, who handed out material at the conference, and warning to delegates to expect a rumble, angered a number of farmers.

A farmer from Peak Hill told the conference "This wasn't rent-a-crowd - many of these women could be our wives, motivated by their concern for the well-being of fellow Australians. They have taken time off their jobs, taken time away from their families to be here. They are telling us they do not want genetically engineered foods. Yet we are too deaf to hear. We ignore them at our peril."

A number of delegates and observers expressed concern that the controversial pro GE motions were passed on the voices and votes were not counted. The chairperson even helped knock over a motion calling for a moratorium on GE crops until research on safety and other issues was undertaken. Mr Roberts told delegates that this was tantamount to stopping research. Delegates who objected to the bias intervention of the chair were shouted down.

Monsanto and Aventis, the two agribusinesses with probably the most to gain from the NFA decision, were quick to welcome the pro GE position of the Association. Along with the CSIRO these companies have worked hard for this outcome since last years conference when the Association was unable to reach a position on GE crops.

The decision of the NSW Farmers Association comes at a time when genetically modified products are increasingly out of favour across Europe, North America and in New Zealand.

In the US more than 30 farm groups organisations, representing tens of thousands of farmers, issued a joint statement warning farmers that planting GE crops poses a risk to their livelihoods because GE food is so unpopular with consumers. The Portuguese Agriculture Ministry has stopped all GE corn being grown commercially. And in New Zealand the Labor coalition government has agreed to a Greens call for a Royal Commission into all aspects of genetic engineering.

Meanwhile in Australia Monsanto and co may have won over a few city farmers, but with increasing numbers of consumers seeking out GE free products, they will have many more battles to fight.

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  Issue 63 contents

Interview: Paul Keating's Big Picture
The former Prime Minister is still painting on a broad canvass. He talks to Workers Online about the new economy, fair trade and political chi.

Unions: War in the West
Only six months after signing individual staff contracts, the gloss has worn off for some of BHP's Pilbara iron ore workers.

Environment: Farmers Fudge DNA Dangers
Farmers have missed the chance to have a meaningful debate into the use of genetically modified crops.

International: 'Dot Union' Proposal on the Table
ICANN, the global governing body of Internet domains, has released the following expression of interest in proposing a top-level domain for trade unions

Economics: Edge of the Abyss
Political economist Frank Stilwell argues that a constellation of events gives good reason to be worried about the Australian economy.

History: Taming the Tigers
Prominent labour historian, Dr Ming Chan, is visiting Australia to report on how workers are faring in the new Hong Kong.

Review: Music is Crap
It's already the second half of the first year in the new millenium. Who would have ever predicted a crisis in the popular music industry when we are at such an advanced stage ?

Satire: Last Kosovars Found Behind Couch
State Emergency Services personnel were called to a house in Brighton this morning, where the last five remaining Kosovar refugees have been found wedged behind a couch.

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