Western Aus. Sees Benefits from GE-Free Marketing

GE Free New Zealand In Food And Environment Inc.
www.gefree.org.nz
GE Free New Zealand PRESS RELEASE –15.12.03

Western Australia Sees Benefits from GE-Free Marketing: Why is NZ Government Not Listening

A parliamentary report for the Western Australian state government says there are major advantages for WA if it can market its exports internationally as totally GM-free.

The same- if not greater benefits - exist for New Zealand GE-free production and it is vital that this sure-fire marketing opportunity is not squandered in exchange for speculative experiments with GE that contaminates our food system and environment.

"It is a mystery as to why the government and Trade NZ are not seizing the opportunity to reassure export markets and promote our products as GE-Free," says Jon Carapiet from GE Free NZ in food and environment.

"Failure to protect and leverage New Zealand's GE-free status is tantamount to economic sabotage. It is criminal that New Zealand risks losing out to Tasmania and now WA in taking advantage of the marketing- opportunity of the century."

ENDS

Jon Carapiet 09 815 3370

http://abc.net.au/news/australia/wa/metwa-12dec2003-6.htm
WA may adopt GM crops ban
ABC NEWS ONLINE
Fri, 12 Dec 2003 9:43am AWST

The Western Australian Government could impose a blanket ban on all commercially grown genetically-modified (GM) crops in the State within months after changes to the legislation passed through State Parliament.

Upper House MPs have accepted a report from a committee chaired by Greens' MP Christine Sharp.

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