Farmers who choose to not grow GM food crops should be protected by law from any liability if their crops are contaminated by a genetically modified organism, Greens MLC Ian Cohen said today.
Mr Cohen called for the changes to the Gene Technology (GM Crop Moratorium) Act after the state government tabled plans in parliament this week that do not include a strict liability clause.
“It is only fair that there be controls that protect non-GM farmers from having to pay if they are faced with contamination of their crops,” Mr Cohen said.
“The Greens are seeking to not just protect farmers but also to have a more realistic system in place.
“If you are the person responsible for the release of a GM food plant or if you are the manufacturer of a genetically modified organism that results in the contamination of non-GM crop, then you should be liable for the costs of cleaning up after your mistake.”
Mr Cohen said the Greens are also seeking to prevent the government from limiting the information the state’s independent Advisory Council on Gene Technology receives when an application is made for an exemption to the current three-year moratorium.
He said a government briefing paper handed to MPs claimed consulting with the independent experts on the Advisory Council was ‘overly bureaucratic’.
“The Agriculture Minister has confirmed he intends to turn the only independent body in NSW that can scrutinise applications to grow GM food crops into a toothless tiger.
“This government has systematically removed checks and balances on its activities and decisions. Being accountable is obviously annoying this government.”
Further information: Paul Sheridan, 0410 516 656.
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