EXTRACTS: "It's clear by the number of people who came to the rally today that there is no place for GM in WA." - Piers Verstegen

"There is no question about it - the overall majority don't want GM and the State Government must take notice and let democracy prevail." - Peter Cundall
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Rally against GM crops surprises backers
Perth Now (Australia), October 30 2008
http://www.news.com.au/perthnow/story/0,27574,24577779-2761,00.html

A RALLY against the introduction of genetically modified crops drew nearly 1000 people to the steps of the WA [Western Australian] Parliament today, organisers have claimed.

Farmers attending brought along goats, chickens and even a prize-winning bull, the Conservation Council of WA said.

It said their message was that GM crops not only risked WA's reputation as a clean, green state but might also have consequences for human health.

An ABC report put the number of protesters at about 500.

The Conservation Council quoted conservationist and gardener Peter Cundall as saying he was surprised by the big turn-out.

"I was absolutely astounded by the success of the rally," he said.

"I knew that GM crops and GM technology are unpopular but today just goes to show just how unpopular it is.

"There is no question about it - the overall majority don't want GM and the State Government must take notice and let democracy prevail."

Julie Newman, from the Network of Concerned Farmers, was also quoted saying she was impressed by the level of support.

“I was overwhelmed with the support, not just those of who marched in the rally but hundreds of people who voiced concerns from the side as we marched down the street,” she said.

“I just hope that the Minister is now aware of the level of support of people, everyday people, who have genuine concerns about GM."

The WA Liberal Party, which won government at the recent election, campaigned with a policy of allowing the planting of genetically modified cotton, and going ahead with commercial-size trials of GM canola in the northern Ord River irrigation area.

Protesters heckled Agriculture Minister Terry Redman when he addressed them today, the ABC said on its website.

Mr Redman said he had asked his department to find a forward path for trials of GM canola in WA.

Piers Verstegen, director of the Conservation Council, said: “It’s clear by the number of people who came to the rally today that there is no place for GM in WA."