Berwick says no to GMO

Residents show their concern about a local GM Canola Crop

This morning I met with concerned Berwick residents outside a farm growing genetically modified canola. The farm, owned by the family of the State Opposition Leader Ted Baillieu, is not labelled as growing GM crops but was recently uncovered by CropWatch. Residents were none the wiser, not realising they lived so close to a GM crop.
















Back in February 2008 the Brumby Government lifted the moratorium on GM Canola. As recently as four weeks ago GM pollen outbreaks were confirmed in Geelong and had found their way into the honey of a local apiarist.

Victoria's clean green image has been sacrificed by the Brumby Government and puts at risk our agricultural exports. Contaminating our agricultural industry with GM can only reduce Victoria’s estimated $1.755 billion export trade.



















Residents in Berwick were alarmed to learn this GM crop was so close to the suburbs in which they live.

The closest GrainCorp depot for receival of GM Canola is in Geelong, some 120kms from Berwick. This increases the potential for contamination from the suburbs of Berwick all the way through to the city of Geelong.





















Reports have confirmed that canola seed can germinate up to 16 years after it is spilled.

Contamination by GM Canola is inevitable and leaves communities and local councils with clean up headaches into the future. This is a ticking time bomb on our roadsides.

The people of Victoria don't want GM food and don't want GM crops, it's time to restore Victoria's clean, green reputation.