The Gene Ethics network is claiming a win for the anti-genetically modified crop movement, applauding a Tasmanian Government all-party committee report which recommends that prohibition on the release of GM food crops be extended for another five years.
If adopted, the moratorium on GM crops in that state would not be reviewed until the end of the five year period.
Gene Ethics director Bob Phelps says a GM ban in Tasmania would isolate the "rogue states" of Victoria and NSW, which have allowed commercial GM canola crops to be grown this year.
"Most states and the vast majority of their citizens want to stay GM-free," Mr Phelps claimed.
"To match the Tasmanian, WA, SA and ACT GM bans and to restore the uniform system of national GM regulation, the GM states should re-impose their GM bans immediately.
"GM-free states grow over 60pc of Australia's canola and will reap the rewards of free access to all markets for their GM-free products."
Mr Phelps said a "zero tolerance" policy for GM contamination in imported grains, seeds, plant products and animal feed was the only way to ensure "a secure GM-free future".
The Tasmanian report recommended that the State Government should:
* back independent scientific testing of GM foods on human health and safety;
* call on the Australian government for national surveillance of GM's health and safety;
* ask Food Standards Australia for tough human safety testing, like that for new drugs; and
* improve labelling of food products derived from GM crops.
A full copy of the report is available at: http://www.parliament.tas.gov.au/ CTEE/genetech.htm
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