'Fart levy' distracts farmers from GE

Green MP Ian Ewen-Street is urging farmers not to let their attention be distracted from GE by the so-called 'fart levy' row.

In a speech to the farmer rally outside Parliament today, the Green Agriculture Spokesperson warned farmers that, while their attention was focussed on the emissions levy, the moratorium lifting date was rapidly approaching,

"Turn around and look at what is happening on October 29 - the moratorium on the release of GE organisms expires. This is seriously bad news for farmers.

"Take your anger over the emissions levy and direct it to where it is most immediately needed and where it will be most constructive - against GE release," Mr Ewen-Street urged.

Claims of increased productivity from GE have been grossly exaggerated, consumers worldwide have rejected GE, and an independent economic review shows that New Zealand farmers could suffer major losses from GE release.

On the emissions levy, Mr Ewen-Street urged farmers to accept we have to do something about global warming, but to also ensure they as a group retained any intellectual property rights that came from the research.

"But most importantly of all, we have to make sure we are not forced down the GE path, from which there is no return," he said.

ENDS

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