[Pil-pc-oceania] URGENT GM online poll (Sydney Morning Herald)

[Deb Guildner]

Please take a few seconds to vote against GM crops in this online poll.
The media has been running hot with items about GM, as NSW takes a step 
towards lifting the anti GM crops moratorium.
The price of GM canola went up $20 per tonne last Friday, so this move makes 
little sense.

Visiting US author and executive director of the Institute for Responsible 
Technology, Jeffrey Smith, said in Adelaide two weeks ago that
"GM crops yields are lower, and there is a 38% greater use of herbicides". 
He anticipates that in 3 years the US will be aware that GM has been a 
mistake.

Where are the benefits for anyone other than Monsanto shareholders?

Q> Why would a chemical company promote seeds that reduce its profits?
A> They don't!!

Thanks for voting in the Sydney Morning Herald poll (link below),

Cheers
Deb

----- Original Message ----- 
From: Gene Ethics
Sent: Tuesday, November 27, 2007 5:31 PM
Subject: Urgent: GM poll in Sydney Morning Herald



Reader Poll


Genetically modified crops

For or against?


        http://www.smh.com.au/polls/national/form.html




News Media Release - November 27, 2007
Premiers sow the seeds of destruction

Premiers John Brumby and Morris Iemma are trashing Australia's GM-free 
advantage, by allowing the state's GM canola bans to expire. Their renegade 
action will commit the whole nation to GM contamination.

"The premiers' arrogance over Genetically Manipulated (GM) crops and foods 
ignores the majority support for GM-free among farmers, shoppers, the food 
industry and state governments," says Gene Ethics Director Bob Phelps.

"Thousands of citizens supported GM-free in their submissions to the state 
inquiries but the reports haven't even been released. With the bans not 
expiring until February next year there is plenty of time for further debate 
on the inquiry reports.

"Hundreds of large and small businesses also support Australia's GM-free 
status. Goodman Fielder, Tatiara Meats and Coles Supermarket are among those 
who support GM-free.

"Ending the GM bans is a national, permanent and irreversible decision as GM 
canola pollen and seed will cross borders. The new ALP federal government 
should urgently convene the Gene Technology Ministerial Council (GTMC) that 
sets GM policy for the nation - the proper forum for deciding these GM 
issues. The GTMC should seek a national consensus before any ban is lifted.

"The WA, Tasmanian, SA and ACT governments agree with most Australians, that 
the market, environment and health impacts are not worth the promised 
benefits.

"Both the NSW and Victorian governments say they support a national uniform 
decision but are now GM rebels for Bayer and Monsanto. No governments should 
go it alone on GM.

"There are also many outstanding threshold issues that must be resolved 
before any commercial release is allowed.

"Gene Ethics will continue the public campaign to extend the ban on GM food 
crops until February 29, 2013, at least," Mr Phelps concludes.

More comment:
Bob Phelps Gene Ethics 0408 195 099; Scott Kinnear Biological Farmers of 
Australia 0419 881 729; Louise Sales Greenpeace 0438 679 263