Australia-Fear and Panic over GM crops.

AUSTRALIA-FEARS OVER GM FARMING.

The Network of Concerned Farmers (NCF) has issued a warning to the 20 farmers planning to participate in the Genetically Modified (GM) canola crop trial in WA this season, saying they could face legal action if contamination of non-GM crops is discovered.

The NCF is opposed to GM technology and issued the warning in a media statement othis week saying the legal processes are already in motion.

The media release said non-GM farmers would not accept losses associated with contamination by GM canola.

To back that statement up, the NCF promised they would seek the recommended legal recourse against GM farmers if required.

NCF spokesperson and farmer Julie Newman it was a sad day when governments made negligent decisions and deny fair risk management, resulting in farmers suing farmers.

"Governments recommend common law as suitable for recovering any damage and economic loss associated with GM crops, but early action is required if there is any chance of success," she said.

"Very few people realise that common law recommendations means that we are faced with a ridiculous outcome where farmers are to take legal action against farmers, but all farmers need to be prepared.

"We will not follow the international trend where non-GM farmers have tolerated contamination, lost markets and are now being forced to pay fees for using a patented product they did not want and could not avoid."