2018-01-11
Greens Agriculture Spokesperson Diane Evers MLC has urged farmers to make submissions to a cross-party Parliamentary inquiry into mechanisms for compensation for economic loss to WA farmers caused by contamination by genetically modified material before the deadline closes next month.
“We hear a great deal in the media from the chemical lobby about GM, and also from big industry organisations, but we don’t hear so often from individual farmers, especially non-GM canola farmers who still outnumber those who grow GM canola in WA,” Ms Evers said.
“The inquiry’s terms of reference are to examine potential mechanisms for compensation for economic loss to farmers in Western Australia caused by contamination by genetically modified material - so I believe it is really important that the committee hears from farmers with firsthand experiences and on-the-ground knowledge about GM canola being grown in WA near where non-GM crops are being grown.
“If growers have useful information to share but don’t want to be named publicly, they can request the committee treat their submission as confidential.
“As the Greens WA Agriculture Spokesperson I will also be making a submission before the closing date on 16 February, so I warmly invite farmers to contact my office if they would like to advise me of their views and experiences on this matter.”