INNOVATIVE FARMING PRACTICES CAN IMPROVE FOOD SECURITY
Some things never change.
Anti-science activists will stubbornly stick to their ideological viewpoint, no matter how much scientific evidence proves them wrong ('Popularity of organic food products hardly surprising', Stock Journal, August 6).
Referring to an outdated and debunked study is not only ridiculous but deceptive and appalling when we are in the midst of a misinformation crisis. Unfortunately, we cannot expect anything else from those who would happily take agriculture back to the dark ages to fit their shallow political or delusional vision for farming.
Genetically-modified crops, and food derived from them, are highly regulated, and as safe for human health and the environment as non-GM crops. In Australia, GM crops must be approved by the Office of the Gene Technology Regulator before they can be commercially cultivated.
By adopting innovative farming practices, such as GM crops, the Australian farming sector is already able to produce more food, more sustainably and with greater productivity.
If we embrace the power of plant science innovation, rather than attack it to push flawed ideologies, we will find a wealth of ways to contribute to global food security.
Matthew Cossey
CropLife Australia chief executive officer.
GRAIN INDUSTRY BLUEPRINT PRIORITIES NEED ADJUSTING
The Grain Producers SA Blueprint is the pipe dream for a $6-billion state grains industry by 2030 ('SA grain industry ready for blueprint reveal', Stock Journal, July 30).
But the plan fails to create a clear and compelling map for the future.
The Blueprint is drenched in synthetic chemicals and risks drowning in its own over-spray. One of GPSA's main innovation goals is to "Engage with chemical companies within the current framework to encourage the registration of chemicals for use in Australia".
Why is there no visionary GPSA plan to nurture the viable alternatives to chemicals that could reduce dependence and make inputs more affordable? For instance, Australia's Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme keeps drug prices somewhat in check and the open source software available to everyone on the web is collectively developed, publicly owned and shared.
GPSA would also "Identify chemicals used overseas that may be advantageous for future SA cropping systems" and commit to "Develop policy settings to ensure access to chemicals, technology and seeds". This delivers growers into the hands of big chemical and seed companies. Farmers would be even more at their mercy.
Another promise to "Investigate alternatives to allow for a reduction of chemical spraying and improved stewardship of agricultural chemicals" is clearly mere window-dressing.
GPSA has led the charge to knock off SA's GM moratorium, which has potential to deliver huge benefits to SA farmers and the whole food industry. The lesson that Kangaroo Island's grains and beverages will continue to earn a premium is lost on GPSA.
Their plan to "Identify and adapt gene traits that will allow reduction in chemical and fertiliser use" is pure fantasy. Near 99 per cent of all GM broadacre crops - soy, corn, canola and cotton - have just two novel traits - herbicide tolerance and making Bt insect toxins.
Drought, salt and frost tolerant varieties, nitrogen fixation in grains, and more nutritious foods, promised for the past three decades, do not exist.
The buzzword 'sustainable' is often used in the GPSA document but it is never defined or made achievable.
The wallets of food buyers everywhere are open, at premium prices, to clean, green, GM-free and chemical-free foods. But GPSA has its back turned.
Bob Phelps,
GeneEthics executive director.
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