Local Farmers Defend Consumer Right to Know
(July 31^st - Bungendore) As a result of the state government's recent lifting of the moratorium on growing genetically modified (GM) crops, our local Molonglo District Council of the NSW Farmers Association, introduced and supported important motions at the Association's Annual Conference last week to protect consumers and farmers in a GM world.

Our district was represented at the conference by Howard Crozier, Richard Graham, Brett Falkiner, Vern Drew, Joan Limon, and Denise McMurtrie.  They brought with them this motion approved by the district farmers:  "That the Association support full transparent labelling of GM ingredients in all imported and domestic [food] products including livestock."

In introducing the motion to the conference, Richard Graham stated, "The motion demonstrates that on such a controversial matter as genetic modification of food, that we farmers are aligned with consumer wishes for transparent ingredient disclosure. A simple way to think about this motion is, if we're happy enough to grow it, then we're happy enough to show it, on the label. 

"On Tuesday, David Crombie said regarding GM, and I quote, ‘We need regulations to give farmers and consumers choice.'   Well, recent changes in legislation are giving farmers the choice to plant GMO or not.  Now it's time to show that we farmers also support the consumers' choice to eat GMO or not."

A vigorous debate ensued amongst the delegates with those opposing the motion doing so either on grounds of it being ‘unnecessary' or it would add cost to production.  In his closing right of reply, Richard said, "With regards to those concerned about cost, that horse has bolted, because inherent with the introduction of GM crops comes the need for ‘identity preservation'.  If we follow the USA lead on this, then we will have to track our produce from seed-to-plate, so this motion isn't going to add any additional cost to that."

When the motion was put to the delegates, it passed by a show of hands, with approximately 60% being for the motion, and it now becomes the basis of Association policy.

Molonglo District Council Chairman, Howard Crozier said, "This is a great outcome for both farmers and consumers.  Consumers are not our enemy, nor are we theirs.  But retailers and politicians play us off against one another.  This landslide vote in favour of transparent labelling shows that farmers and consumers do stand together.  Hopefully the members of other state ssociations will demonstrate this truism in their policies too."

Our farmers also supported a second resolution, for the Association to lobby government to protect non-GM canola growers from costs arising from GM cross contamination, liability, and segregation.  This motion also passed by a similar majority.