Australia-wide public forums: GM crops - the benefits and risks Hear first hand experiences from Canada and the USA With Genetically Manipulated (GM) canola grown last year in Victoria and NSW, farmers are deciding if GM canola will be good or bad to grow. North American farmers will tell you about the possible benefits and risks of GM crops and answer your questions on corporate influence, segregation failures, legal issues and the effect on markets. The Speakers Moe Parr (Indiana, USA) owns and operates Custom Seed and Grain Cleaning in Indiana, Ohio, Kentucky, Illinois and Michigan. Born in 1934, he grew up on a farm, married in 1961 and has six children. In February 2007 Monsanto sued Moe, alleging he had aided, abetted and encouraged his customers to breach Monsanto's GM Roundup Ready soybean patent. Monsanto used his bank records to also investigate his customers for patent infringement. Moe couldn't afford the legal fees, settled out of court, and must now give Monsanto samples of all the seed he cleans, to test for Roundup Ready soy contamination. Moe's customers are too scared to save seed and he has lost his soy seed cleaning business. He still cleans wheat, oats, barley and rye as they are not GM. Ross Murray (Young, Saskatchewan, Canada) is a third generation seed grower and grain cleaner. He has a BA in Economics and honours degrees in Political Studies and History from the University of Saskatchewan. He farms grain with his brother Scott on the family farm, is a pedigree seed producer, runs Manitou Custom Seed Cleaning, and is a life member of the Canadian National Farmers Union. With a keen interest in economic and environmental sustainability, Murray began going organic in 2002. He worries about the viability of rural communities with volatile global markets and believes agriculture's dependence on synthetic herbicides, pesticides, fertiliser, and GM will sacrifice biodiversity, health, and food security. Ross wants to talk with Australians about reducing our reliance on multinational agribusiness. The Forums Victoria Yarrawonga Wednesday, 25th February, 3-4.30pm Endeavour Room, Yarrawonga-Mulwala RSL, Melbourne Street, Mulwala For more information contact Geoffrey Carracher: (03) 5386 6261, 0428 316 901 [email protected] Melbourne Thursday, 26th February, 1-2pm The K Room, Parliament House, Spring Street, Melbourne A light lunch is offered so please RSVP by noon Monday 23 February to assist with catering. Confirmation of your attendance can be made to: Freja Leonard E: [email protected] P: 03 9348 2622 F: 03 9348 2699 Elmore Friday, 27th February, 7-8.30pm Memorial Hall, 63 Hervey St, Elmore For more information contact Geoffrey Carracher: (03) 5386 6261, 0428 316 901, [email protected] Horsham Saturday, 28th February,2-3.30pm Wellesley Performing Arts Centre For more information contact Geoffrey Carracher: (03) 5386 6261, 0428 316 901 [email protected] South Australia Keith Sunday, 1st March, 2-3.30pm The Keith Institute, Heritage Street, Keith For more information contact Geoffrey Carracher: (03) 5386 6261, 0428 316 901 [email protected] Saddleworth The Saddleworth Institute, Burra Road, Saddleworth Monday, 2nd March, 7-8.30pm For more information contact Geoffrey Carracher: (03) 5386 6261, 0428 316 901 [email protected] Cummins Cummins Bowling Club, 60 Bruce Terrace, Cummins Tuesday, 3rd March, 2-3.30pm For more information contact Geoffrey Carracher: (03) 5386 6261, 0428 316 901 [email protected] Adelaide The Plaza Room, Parliament House, North Terrace, Adelaide Thursday, 5th March, 9.30-11am RSVP necessary: [email protected]; (08) 8237 9111 Western Australia Esperance Friday, 6th March, 7-8.30am Taylor St Jetty Cafe and Restaurant, Taylor St, Esperance. A light breakfast will be provided. For more information contact: Tim Fewings: 0427 087 357 Albany Saturday, 7th March, 10-11.30am Scots hall, 168 York Street (behind Scots Uniting Church), Albany Parking on street and at rear (accessed via Aberdeen Street). For more information contact: Karen Andersson: (08) 9848 2397 Williams (TBC) Sunday, 8th March New South Wales Sydney Friday, 13th March, 10-11.30am Waratah Room, New South Wales Parliament, Macquarie Street, Sydney For more information contact: Graham Strong: (02) 6959 8656, 0428 598 656 Cootamundra Saturday, 14th March, 10-11.30am Stephen Ward Room, Cootamundra Library, corner of Wallendoon and Thompson Streets, Cootamundra For more information contact: Graham Strong: (02) 6959 8656, 0428 598 656 Wagga Wagga Monday, 16th March, 7-8.30pm Commercial Club, 77 Gurwood St, Wagga Wagga For more information contact: Graham Strong: (02) 6959 8656, 0428 598 656 Orange Tuesday, 17th March Moresby room, Orange Ex-Services’ Club, 231 - 243 Anson Street, Orange For more information contact: Graham Strong: (02) 6959 8656, 0428 598 656 .