GRAIN Producers Australia chairman Andrew Weidemann says Greens leader Richard Di Natale’s acceptance of genetically modified crop science represents a “ginormous” shift in attitude.
However, while Senator Di Natale said the Greens’ policy on genetically modified (GM) food and crops was under consideration, his office this week said no further review of national policy, including GM, was currently scheduled.
Despite this, Mr Weidemann said Senator Di Natale's comments that he had no philosophical or ideological objection to the science behind GM demonstrated the Senator had more understanding and pragmatism of the GM issue than any previous party leader.
“The leader’s recognition of the science behind this technology is significant,” Mr Weidemann said.
“The Green’s GM policy has been a point of angst among farmers since we first started talking about introducing this technology into Australia about 20-years ago.
“Acknowledging the science is a ginormous step forward, in terms of having a pragmatic discussion.
“I would encourage the Greens to look at all angles of this debate and understand that any potential change of policy - which Grain Producers Australia is open to discuss further - would be an important step in building closer ties with Australian agriculture and farmers.”
