GM spells economic disaster for American Farmers

GM spells economic disaster for North American Farmers.

A report released yesterday by UK Soil Association concludes that the commercial growing of GM crops in North America has had disastrous consequences for their faming communities.

The income and choices of non-GM farmers and organic farmers have been seriously compromised due to actual contamination and threat of contamination from GM crops. GM farmers themselves have reported reduced yields, increased reliance on herbicide use and lower crop prices. The claims of GM seed companies have not eventuated in the majority of cases.

The estimated cost to the American economy is in excess of US$12 billion between 1999 and 2001 in lost markets, product recalls, legal action, reduced crop prices and subsidies to farmers growing GM crops.

“The New Zealand Government must consider the real experiences of the countries who have allowed commercial growing of GM crops” said Seager Mason, Bio-Gro NZ CEO today. “The impact on all farmers, both organic and conventional could be devastating if this situation were to be replicated here. There is nothing to suggest that our experience would be any different. This is yet more evidence supporting retaining the moratorium past October 2003.”

Bio-Gro urges all New Zealand farmers and those on both sides of the GM debate to read this report. A copy can be obtained from the UK Soil Association website http:// http://www.soilassociation.org

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