Genetically Modified Crops

Kent Durr, MP (NCOP) –ACDP

Wednesday, September 18, 2002

In a Motion with Notice today in the National Council of Provinces, African Christian Democratic Party MP, Kent Durr called on government to place a moratorium on the use of Genetically Modified (GM) crops until such time as the situation can be properly assessed. The motion is as follows:


1. The House notes the serious questions arising around the planting of genetically modified (GM) crops:

2. Further notes that –

a) independent research done at US Universities show that GM crops produced lower yields and reduced profits while using more pesticides;
b) many American farmers are concerned about GM crops and the US National Family Coalition and the National Farmers Union (Canada) have called for a ban or moratorium on GM crops;
c) studies done at an Egyptian University show GM B-spliced food damage the intestine of laboratory rats;
d) insurance companies in Australia and UK deem GM crops and foods too dangerous to insure;
e) the European Union has just voted for even stricter GE food labeling laws;
f) supermarkets in Australia and New Zealand are going GM-free while the Japanese, the worlds biggest importer of food are rejecting GM foods;
g) although China grows GM cotton, it has banned the commercial growing of GM soya, maize, wheat and rice;
h) in 1998 Mexico banned the planting of GM maize to protect its indigenous maize varieties;
i) Namibia and Botswana have said they will not buy GM food from South Africa; and
j) Zimbabwe and Malawi have only accepted GM food aid under severe pressure while Mozambique will not even allow GM food into their ports or transport it across that country;

3. The House calls upon the Provinces and the central government to place a moratorium on the use of GM crops until such time as the situation can be properly assessed.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
For further comment please call Kent Durr MP at (021) 403 2472 or ACDP Media Liaison Liza Bloemetje at 082 4781037