Regulation (Food) Articles

GM food no longer scary to the Greens

Catallaxy Files, 7 January 2018

In an astonishing piece of kite flying, the Greens leader Richard Di Natale has said he “did not believe eating foods produced from genetically modified crops posed a risk to human health”, a view he has since made known to several media outlets. A virtual ban on GM foods is among the multitude of burdens the meddlesome political class has imposed on its bete noir, commercial farming. 

Making a Meal Over GM Ban

Australian Financial Review 30th March, 2004

It turns out that aside from chomping on kebabs in his recent visit to the Middle East, Victorian Premier Steve Bracks was also undertaking market research. He discovered, according to a press release on Thursday, that many parts of the Middle East have reservations about GM foods. He offered this as a major reason for banning the production of GM canola in Victoria. 

On GM Food

Sydney Morning Herald 26th July, 2000

Your article "It's safety first, but there's not guarantees" (Herald, July 24) gives the misleading impression that scientists are divided over the issue of GM food and its safety and efficacy. In fact, the overwhelming majority of scientists favour the technology. Some 3,000 have signed a petition that says the techniques contribute substantially to enhancing quality of life by improving agriculture

GM Labelling: Impossible and Unnecessary

Australian Financial Review 18th July, 2000

Unless we throw a crowbar into its wheels, GM technology will reduce costs to farmers and eventually consumers. The technology allows plant output to increase while reducing use of herbicide, water and nutrients. As the technology develops we will see healthier food (and vitamin A enriched rice is about to become available with immense benefits in reducing infant blindness) and food with more appealing tastes.

Give GM Foods A Go

Australian Financial Review 18th January, 2000

The green/consumerist radicals had great sport last year in demonising genetically modified foods. They catapulted GM foods into one of the celebrated causes at the World Trade Organisation meeting in Seattle. And prior to Seattle they managed to create public alarm with none-too-subtle images of "Frankenfoods" and claims that genetically modified tomatoes were really pigs in disguise. 

Don't hobble our smart food

Herald Sun 4th August, 1999

Over the weekend, tv news showed footage of British consumer activists, clad in white, raiding a farm, bobbies in pursuit, to destroy a genetically modified crop. That particular stunt backfired: the people-in-white destroyed the wrong crop. Genetically modified food is taking over from the 'green revolution' based on hybrid plant varieties, that got underway in the 1960s. 

Fine-tuning GM labels

Australian Financial Review 19th October, 1999

On Friday, Health Ministers will meet to determine the labelling requirements for Genetically Modified (GM) Food. Their decisions will have a profound effect on Australian food development and agriculture generally. There is a tapestry of changes that can be introduced into existing stock to allow them to use less water, more readily take up fertilizer, secrete their own 'natural' pesticides and so on.