Greenpeace question GE threat
Celebrity chefs and Greenpeace have joined forces to warn Australians about the threat of genetically engineered (GE) wheat potentially hitting our supermarket shelves in the future.
Greenpeace recently launched a report on the risks of GE wheat at the Sydney International Food Festival. They were assisted by Sydney chefs, Peter Gilmore and Robert Marchetti.
Quay Restaurant’s Peter Gilmore said the modification of one of our most important food staples is worrying.
“I am concerned about Australia being involved in trials to grow wheat that has been genetically engineered. I certainly wouldn’t want to eat it and I don’t see why our trading partners would want to either,” he said.
The report details how international chemical companies are targeting Australia as a testing ground for GE wheat.
It argues that the genetic engineering of wheat will create a major threat to farmers, consumers and Australia’s future food security.
Michael Klausen from Brasserie Bread said that an increasing amount of people want to know what is in the bread they are purchasing.
“I think the biggest thing is for people to buy what they want and know what they’re getting,” he said.
Former CSIRO scientist Maarten Stapper expressed his concern about the lack of studies done surrounding the risks involved with consuming GE foods.
“Studies of the effects are not done about the risks involved with consuming GE foods. Good food is what we can taste and still see where it comes from,” he said.
The launch of the report coincides with a recent national food and grocery report that has found Australia is importing more food than it is exporting, for the first time in decades.
But CropLife Australia has hit back at Greenpeace, saying in a media release the “Spliced Bread” report contains no new evidence and the few studies that have been quoted are misrepresented.
Greenpeace’s report calls on the Federal Government to suspend yield trials of GE wheat and increase funding for sustainable agriculture.
“Greenpeace is calling on the government to cease trials and direct public investment towards smart, sustainable farming solutions that provide real benefit to farmers and healthier, safer food for consumers,” said campaigner and author of the report, Claire Parfitt.
“It really is our government and us as consumers that can do something about it. Lets do it,” said Peter Gilmore.
By Sophie Cousins
