Gene Ethics’ election survey found both major parties are very aware of deep community concerns over Genetically Manipulated Organisms (GMOs) on farms and in food. But unlike the Greens, neither the ALP nor the Coalition would commit to strengthen the law or regulatory systems. “This complacency over GM threats means the Greens’ clear support for GM-free futures and precaution on GM food and crops will be crucial if they hold the balance of power in the next parliament,” says... ...Read more »

Australia’s emissions reduction policy must maintain the competitiveness of Australian export and import-competing industries – such as food and grocery – without exposing them to costs their competitors don’t face, the Australian Food and Grocery Council (AFGC) said on Friday.Responding to Prime Minister Julia Gillard’s announcement on climate change, AFGC agreed with a national consultative approach to emissions reduction that does not give any country an unfair competitive... ...Read more »

The Gillard Government will be funding $33,000 to Standards Australia to support the Australia Standard for Organic and Biodynamic Products “The OFA initiated the Australia Standard for Organic and Biodynamic Products to ensure credibility of organic products.” Andre Leu, Chair of the Organic Federation of Australia says. “We are very pleased that the Gillard Government has agreed to fund the ongoing maintenance of this standard”. “As the peak industry body for the Australian... ...Read more »

With only a month until the federal election, peak horticulture body Growcom today called for the major parties to outline their agricultural policies. Chief Executive Officer Alex Livingstone said it was pleasing to see that in recent weeks both major parties had “made the right noises” in accepting the need for a ‘sustainable Australia’ rather than just a ‘big Australia’, whichever side of the population debate they are on. “The Minister for Agriculture and for... ...Read more »

LAUNCHING its 2010 Federal Election Policy Platform today, the National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) slammed both sides of politics for perpetuating old mistakes and failing to seize initiatives to tackle emerging national issues – laying down the challenges and opportunities ahead. The NFF’s manifesto highlights policy failures and new opportunities that the next federal government must grapple with, encapsulated in four policy pillars: Population, Economy, Environment and Property. “The... ...Read more »

The National Heart Foundation of Australia today congratulated the Victorian Government on its commitment to introduce mandatory provision of kilojoules on menus of large fast food chains and called on other Australian Governments to follow the move. “If accepted nationally, we believe this initiative will not only make it easier for Australians who eat out to make healthier choices, but will also encourage food companies to improve the nutritional profile of foods on offer”, Ms Susan... ...Read more »