AVOIDING GM INGREDIENTS IN OUR FOOD?
The best way is to avoid buying processed food and drinks
by Jessica Harrison
We are in a better situation in Australia
than the USA. Only 2 GM crops are grown
commercially – GM canola (9% of total crop) and cotton (95% of total crop).
GM oil from these crops enters our food
chain via fast food and processed items.
South Australia and Tasmania ban GM
crops, while Victoria, NSW and WA only
grow a small percentage of GM crops.
GM contamination has already occurred
- you can find out more at www.gmcropwatch.org.au. WA organic farmer Steve
Marsh suffered GM contamination of
his farm in 2010. He is now tied up with
long, expensive legal action against his
GM-growing neighbour - see safefoodfoundation.org.
Although there is no market worldwide for GM wheat, “trials” are planted in southern Australian states, which
risk contaminatiing our wheat crops.
In Queensland, banana and sugar cane
“trials” are also a concern. See trial map
here.
Are GM crops the solution to feeding the world? GM crops are part of
the chemical agriculture treadmill. GM
seeds are owned and patented by chemical multinational companies. GM crops
result in increased debt for many First
World farmers, as they spend scarce savings on expensive seeds and chemicals
and then if crops fail, these farmers suffer
potential ruin.
Social and economic injustice is the main
cause of world hunger. Patented GM
crops are not the solution. See more
details here: GMO Myths and Truths
earthopensource.org. GM Free Australia
Alliance is the peak GM-free organisation
for our region. The Alliance links groups
and individuals campaigning for a GMfree future. You can sign up for a free
e-newsletter and join the campaign. The
Alliance calls for a freeze on GM crop and
food approvals. Donations are gratefully
accepted - visit www.gmfreeaustralia.
org.au
Sign the G M Freeze Pledge here
Poster competition!
Design a poster for your local bakery using the
words: “We only use GM-free wheat in our
bakery”.
Email your design to:
[email protected]
The winning design will be displayed in bakeries around Australia!
SwitchOn 23