30/November/21

 

This Friday is the last day for submissions regarding Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ)’s proposed changes to food regulations that would allow a wide range of new GM foods into the global food chain - with no regulation and no labelling. This could pose potential health risks and would seriously undermine our right to know how our food is produced. Please take a few minutes to draft a short submission defending our right to know how our food is produced. It's quick and easy and you can participate wherever you are in the world – as your country could be at risk from unlabelled Australian/New Zealand new GM food imports. GMWatch

 

 

According to a report published 30 November, the cost of pesticides may far outweigh the economic benefits. The Bureau for the Appraisal of Social Impacts for Citizen Information (BASIC), a Paris-based NGO, found pesticide producers cost the EU €2.3bn in subsidies. At the same time, the sector makes about €900m in profits, and the study argues this is not an efficient way of spending agricultural funds. "Tripling organic farms by 2030 would cost €1.85bn per year - less than the annual subsidies being spent on pesticides," esearchers connected to BASIC wrote. The study also mentions other costs to society that are used to benefit pesticide producers, including the big four – BASF, Bayer, ChemChina, Corteva – which represent 60% of global sales. For example, the EU doles out €57.8bn in annual subsidies to maintain pesticide-reliant agricultural practices - about half the total EU budget. A portion of this money ends up in the pockets of these companies. [GMW: The report by BASIC can be downloaded here.] EUObserver

 

 

If you're in the UK, you can donate to GMWatch in a way that won't cost you a penny, each time you shop online through easyfundraising. In the lead-up to Christmas, it's the best time to support us. It's simple and only takes 2 minutes to join. Plus, for a limited time only, once you've raised your first £15 – easyfundraising will match it! Thanks to those who have signed up so far. GMWatch