Quite simply, the biotech industry must keep GE out of the environment and back in the lab.
The fundamental basis for genetic engineering (GE) is a theory or
'dogma' that dates from the 1950s and is now considered
over-simplistic.
Many fundamental questions
regarding the functioning of DNA and genes remain unanswered. Modern
science has shown the mechanisms and controls of gene expression to be
far more complex than first thought.
"Anyone
that says 'Oh, we know that this is perfectly safe,' I say is either
unbelievably stupid or deliberately lying. The reality is we don't
know. The experiments simply haven't been done and we now have become
the guinea pigs."
Dr David Suzuki
GE is a
crude and old fashioned technology which has
lead to the many surprises and unexpected effects associated with GE
organisms. As such the effects of GE crops on the environment and human
health cannot be reliably predicted.
Therefore, no further GE organisms should
be released into the environment or the food chain.
The strict liability solution
The
last decade has shown conclusively that the GE companies are incapable
of acting responsibly. There have been countless cases of companies
breaking the law and releasing untested and unauthorized GE organisms
into the environment.
The only solution that will protect the environment and non-GE farmers
is a '
strict product liability' regime. This means that the company
that stands to gain from its product (such as Monsanto) also bears the
risks should any harm occur. If contamination occurs, if economic
damage is shown, it is the biotech companies that are liable for those
costs.
Strict product liability is simple, fair and effective and should be implemented via Australia’s Gene Technology Act.