Global Rejection of Genetically Engineered Wheat

A joint statement has been released by Australian, Canadian and US farmers, and by environmental and consumer organisations to reinforce opposition to genetically modified wheat. The statement: Definitive Global Rejection of Genetically Engineered Wheat contains a commitment to stopping the commercialisation of GE traits in wheat crops. It was created in response to the Wheat Biotechnology Statement released in May this year in which some industry groups advocated the commercialisation of biotechnology in wheat to achieve increased yields for future population growth. The anti-GM statement has been signed in Australia by the Biological Farmers of Australia, the Network of Concerned Farmers, the Organic Federation of Australia, and Gene Ethics; and internationally by the National Farmers Union (Canada), the Canadian Biotechnology Action Network, the National Family Farm Coalition (USA), the Center for Food Safety (USA), the Organic Consumers Association (USA), and others, BFA reports.
 

It says that farmers and scientists have made remarkable achievements in wheat breeding over generations that have not involved GE or patenting and argues there are currently no GE traits that promise basic agronomic improvements. The only GE strain in wheat for which approval has been sought is not designed to increase yields, but to simplify herbicide application. Also raised was a concern for the contamination of seed varieties and patented control of primary production. The statement reports that focusing on improved crop quality - rather than modifying crops artificially to increase yield - is a better road to follow.
 

In Australia, the potential of biological farming for improved food production has been highlighted by Dr. Maarten Stapper, BioLogic AgFood and former senior scientist with CSIRO (Australia's Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation).Appearing recently on the ABC's Australian Story, Dr. Stapper advocated a biological approach to feeding the world. ''The idea here is to replace our chemical addiction to solve problems on our farms with biological, natural ways. If we don't go down this path, soil health won't be achieved, more soil will blow and wash away, more life will be lost on our planet, and we won't be able to feed nine billion people,'' he said. Dr. Stapper says the focus of farmers should be on soil organisms and not on more synthetic inputs. Groups interested in additionally signing the statement before August 31 2009 can do so here.

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