VFF says GM crops give farmers 'choice'
Despite calls to maintain a ban on genetically modified canola in the Australian state of Victoria, the Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF) is sticking by its endorsement. The following ABC News article quotes VFF president Simon Ramsay as saying that by ending the moratorium of GM grain farmers will have more choices and can take advantage of new technology.
C.S. Prakash
VFF says GM crops give farmers 'choice'
ABC News
February 27, 2008
The Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF) is countering calls from anti-genetically modified (GM) food groups for the Government to maintain its ban on genetically modified canola.
The moratorium on GM canola expires in Victoria tomorrow, allowing seed and chemical companies to start selling their patented seeds.
Anti-GM groups are concerned conventional crops will be contaminated, and that herbicide resistant canola will become an environmental weed.
VFF president Simon Ramsay says farmers will be able to start the accreditation process to grow and sell GM grain under licence.
"What's important now with the sun setting here in Victoria tomorrow is that farmers will be able to have that choice, they'll be able to take advantage of the new technology," he said.
"It not only has good economic outcomes, but it has good environmental outcomes and that's important given that farmers are facing the challenge of climate change."
