October 16, 2007

Japan urges Australia to continue ban on GM crops

Japanese food buyers visiting Australia has urged the country to maintain bans on genetically modified food (GM) crops.

New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia are currently reviewing the moratorium on GM food crops which is due to expire next year.

If the bans are lifted, genetically modified canola crops could be planted.

Anti GM campaigner Ryoko Shimizu says the delegation represents almost 3 million Japanese consumers who would not want to buy genetically modified canola.

Shimizu says Japan is importing from Australia because of its GM-free status and allowing GM crops would damage the export market for Australian farmers.