New proposed changes to the definition of genetically modified foods by the Food Standards Australia are inbound. Only novel DNA would need to be labelled as GMO, and plants that have been gene edited but not contain new DNA would be exempt from labeling. This threatens the integrity of the organic certification and removes the consumers right to know what is in their food. These changes are good for industry, big industrial agricultural producers, the biotechnology firms and have nothing to do with optimal human health. They are a direct assault on consumer choice. Paola Crofts, regenerative organic farmer and owner of Tall Poppy Farm in Mt Macedon, Victoria and I discussed this in the recent Fire Pit Chat (recording below). What you can do 1. INFORM YOURSELF - read this summary by the organic cooperative and register on the blog link above to be kept up to date. Watch the video recording below. Read the Webinar details from the FSANZ (tiles below). 2. COMPLETE THE SURVEY - available here and on the above link. 3. MAKE A SUBMISSION To FSANZ - via this website or via email submissions@foodstandards.gov.au emphasising your concern about new proposals. 4. CONTACT YOUR LOCAL MEMBER - start with your state food minister expressing your concerns about this decision. 5. SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL REGENERATIVE FARMER - spend your money with people who are raising chemical free, GMO free food and not with the centralized, industrialized food system. Check the farmers directory on the thread to find one near you. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- You can copy paste this letter template in a email submission:

https://organicinvestmentcooperative.com.au/2024/09/04/fsanz-proposal-on-gm-foods/ submissions have closed but we would recommend the following actions:- - People register via the blog to be updated (as per above) - Complete the survey (in blog but here also) - https://forms.gle/Tc8h3EQxFNZd9JpK9 - Email or send messages to FSANZ advising your concerns - Write to your local member - food minister expressing your concerns about this decision - Calling out the FSANZ process - and the Governance of these critical decisions by supposed public interest entities The outcome is likely in the next 21-25 days and at this time we need ALL voices to unite. Thank you Max really appreciate the opportunity