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.
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