Farmers warn of US push for GM crops on domestic market
Thursday, 29 April 2004
Source: ABC Net Wa
WA Farmers has warned the Federal Government to be prepared for a move by the United States to try to push their genetically modified (GM) crops onto the domestic market.
The warning comes after the US complained to the World Trade Organisation (WTO) about moratoriums on GM crops.
The US, backed by Canada and Argentina, claims the European Union is trying to ban imports of GM crops and as a result is blocking potential trade.
WA was declared GM free last month but WA Farmers president Trevor De Landgrafft predicts the US may mount a legal case to push the issue in Australia.
"It'll be up to the Australian Government to defend it if they can to see it's necessary and hopefully industry will make a determination as to whether they're ready for that new technology to be here," he said.
The WA Government says it is not worried about a complaint to the WTO about bans on genetically modified crops.
Agriculture Minister Kim Chance says he does not believe the US will succeed.
"I think the grounds on which they have attacked the European Union's import processes are spurious and the WTO appellant body will find them so," he said.
