Australian farmers warn against GE

Contact: Steffan Browning MP

07 Aug 2012
Press Release

Two Australian farmers have travelled to New Zealand to warn against releasing genetically engineered (GE) crops, the Green Party said today.

The Green Party have organised a tour by two Australian farmers, Julie Newman and Bob Mackley, to share with New Zealanders the realities of living with GE crops.

"These farmers are saying that country communities are getting hammered by having GE in their environment," Green Party GE spokesperson Steffan Browning said today.

Co-existence is a myth. GE crops, if released, will contaminate the crops of farmers who don’t choose GE crops

"The economic impact of GE crops was not taken into account in the Australian releases and that is hurting their farmers.

"We need to learn from their mistakes and carry out an independent economic impact assessment into releasing GE, one that covers both the potential impact for individual farmers and for all sectors of the New Zealand economy.

"Just to give one example, the European Union won't accept any honey with GE traces. Releasing GE into New Zealand will close that $48 million a year market...

Source: Australian farmers warn against GE
Author: Green Party NZ

Link: Making the most of GE Free NZ – Tour