NOTE: 250 major companies are supporting the continuation of the GM bans by Australian states. The companies include the biggest user of canola oil in Australia, and the biggest producer and exporter of Australian lamb.

EXTRACT: 'The message is loud and clear to Government - GM-free is the way to stay.'

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Anti-GM crops group happy companies back ban
ABC, November 14 2007 http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2007/11/14/2090495.htm?site=riverland

An anti-GM (genetically modified) crops group says support from some of Australia's biggest food companies in the past week is a significant turning point in the debate on GM crops.

This week has seen Australia's biggest frozen lamb exporter, Tatiara Meats, support the continuation of a GM crop ban.

The company joins multinational food producer Goodman Fielder in saying the ban should extend for another five years.

The executive director of Gene Ethics, Bob Phelps, says it is a king-hit to plans for the GM industry, with 250 major companies now supporting the ban.

'In the case of Goodman Fielder, the biggest user of canola oil in Australia, says that it wants to stay GM-free,' he said.

'The biggest producer and exporter of Australian lamb says that it wants to stay GM-free and there are many many other companies out there who have similar concerns but have remained silent.

'The message is loud and clear to Government - GM-free is the way to stay.'