are we gm seed free?

The last day of 2009 saw the harvest of a Genetically Modified (GM) Canola crop at a local farm in Beaconsfield (see blog), just across the boundary from the Eastern Victoria electorate.

It was a blustery day, with wind speeds reaching highs across the state. How could the seeds from this crop possible be contained under the windy conditions experienced on harvest day?

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This photo shows clearly the dust blowing up from the harvest. How many GM Canola seeds have been blown on to the roadsides, parklands, reserves and residential gardens in the municipalities of Cardinia and Casey?

There is no independent assessment process for Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) and there should be. The assessment should be based on rigorous and robust scientific standards, we should have a full understanding of the impact of GMOs prior to their release into our food chain and our environment. This should be law in Victoria.

The decision to allow GM Canola to be grown in Victoria was a retrograde one, just as it is in the recently announced Western Australia decision to allow GM crops.

Victoria has lost its clean green image, it was a backward step, our ability to market our primary produce as GM free squandered.

Already we have seen GM pollen outbreaks confirmed in Geelong, the pollen making its way into the honey of a local honey producer.

GM contamination is inevitable and leaves communities, organic farmers and local councils with major clean up headaches into the future. This is a ticking time bomb.

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.

gmo free public meeting for casey & cardinia

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.