Posted on 19-6-2003

NSW Bans Planting of GE Crops
June 18 2003, Melbourne Age

The planting of commercial genetically modified food crops in NSW will be
put on hold for three years after a bill was passed by state's lower house
late last night.

Agriculture and Fisheries Minister Ian Macdonald said the bill's passing
was a victory for farmers and consumers."I welcome the fact that the NSW
Government can now honour its pre-election commitment and fulfil its
mandate on this issue," Mr Macdonald said. There had been a lot of
misinformation surrounding the bill but the minister said he was relieved
the merit of the moratorium had been recognised. The bill had the support
of the NSW Farmers Association and covers the marketing issues not already
properly covered by federal regulations, he said. "The passing of the bill
shows that most people now realise the health, environmental and safety
issues relating to GM food crops are already covered by these federal
regulations," he said.

Both houses of NSW Parliament debated the bill at length.