Australia’s GM-free status under threat says concerned farmers network
Organic farmers have reacted with concern to news that state agriculture ministers have agreed to allow small levels of genetically modified material in canola. At a meeting last week, state agriculture ministers agreed that canola grains containing up to 0.9 of 1 percent of GM material could still be considered GM free. The decision came after traces of GM material were found in canola crops near Albany last month. However, members of the Network of Concerned Farmers believe the move will damage Australia’s export image abroad as a GM-free country. They also claim that the companies responsible for cultivating the genetically modified seeds, should bear the economic brunt of any backlash against Australian exports. Julie Newman form the Network of Concerned Farmers explained to Erica Vowles the impact that this decision would have on farmers that currently market themselves as GM free.