Australia rejects GE food crops

Australia will remain free from genetically engineered (GE) food crops for at least another year, following the announcement of a freeze on the commercial release of GE canola (oilseed rape) by yet another state government.

The twelve month freeze by the southern state of Victoria, now means all major Australian canola growing states have imposed some form of moratorium on the commercial release of the country's first proposed GE food crop, for 2003. Greenpeace described the national freeze on GE canola as "a victory for common sense".

"GE crops are a pariah both domestically and on world markets. It is not in Australia's economic interest to introduce GE canola, nor is it in the interests of the community. Despite the failure of the national regulatory system, state governments have thankfully listened to the majority of farmers and to the general community who are opposed to the introduction of GE canola," Greenpeace Australia Pacific campaigner John Hepburn said.

The Victorian decision comes as a major blow to applicants Monsanto and Bayer, who have lobbied strongly for the release of their GE canola products. As one of the world's largest exporters of canola, Australia is seen as a key area for expansion of GE crops, which are reported to be struggling to find acceptance outside North America and Argentina.

"Australia currently only allows the commercial planting of GE cotton and GE carnations. However, canola is proposed as the first commercially grown GE food crop in this country," Hepburn said

Greenpeace says that consumer rejection of GE foods in Australia continues to grow. Studies consistently show that up to 70% of Australians are concerned about eating GE food and many major Australian food companies have responded by removing GE from their supply chains.

Strong opposition to GE canola has also emerged from conventional and organic farmers and from some of Australia's largest grain groups, including the Australian Wheat Board and Barley Board - who are concerned about contamination of export crops, identity preservation costs and liability issues.