Call to repeal GM Act repeal
Anti-GM farming groups have called for an independent review of moves to scrap laws limiting use of the technology in WA agriculture.
GM-Free Farmers spokesman Darrell Boase said a parliamentary committee should review legislation in the sights of Agriculture Minister Ken Baston.
Mr Boase said it would be foolish and potentially disastrous for WA's multibillion-dollar-a-year grain industry to give up the power of veto on GM crops.
Mr Baston is moving to repeal the Genetically Modified Crops Free Areas Act after speaking out about the importance of the technology to the future of WA farming.
Under the Act, the State Government must grant an exemption to allow the planting of GM crops approved as safe to use by Commonwealth authorities.
GM-Free Farmers have warned that trials of GM wheat could eventually lead to Commonwealth authorities approving its commercial use.
Mr Boase said there was huge resistance to GM wheat in key markets around the world, as highlighted by Japan blocking US imports over a suspected farm contamination case in 2013.
Mr Baston has never endorsed the commercial use of GM wheat but is excited about the potential of other GM crops, including a strain of canola developed by CSIRO that includes omega-3 fatty acids.
WA Labor has vowed to implement a no-GM crops policy if it wins the next election.
Three Supreme Court judges will this week hear an appeal in Kojonup organic grower Steve Marsh's damages case against his GM canola-growing neighbour Mike Baxter.
In a sweeping judgment last May, Justice Ken Martin rejected Mr Marsh's $80,000 claim. Justice Martin also noted that no evidence was presented showing any risk to people, animals or property from contact with GM canola.
It is understood Mr Marsh's lawyers, Slater and Gordon, have appealed against most of Justice Martin's findings.
