GE Farming

Victorian farmers are lobbying for permission to grow genetically manipulated crops, arguing that they need to do this to compete on international markets. In Brandenburg, Germany the same arguments are being used by farmers growing GE crops against their neighbouring organic and conventional farmers who are trying to protect their right to grow crops which are not contaminated by GE substances in the environment.
As well as the effect of GE crops on surrounding farms, the health effects if they are consumed are now just beginning to be established. It was reported here that there is a toxic effect on kidneys and livers of research animals.
GE foodstuffs contain substances which have never before been consumed by humans in their entire genetic history. We have not co-evolved with these substances as we have with other foodstuffs so our digestive systems have not evolved strategies for dealing with them. These substances have been shown to find their way into the bloodstream.
GE substances are unknown in the evolution of all life forms. No animals or plants have yet adapted to living with them. Unlike natural toxins which are processed by the organism which consumes them through specialised organs developed for dealing with them, GE substances are strangers to living beings.
Farmers cover their risks by insuring themselves against legal claims from those who can prove they have suffered losses. Insurance companies can insure against the losses of individual farmers, but the broader social damage cannot be insured and money cannot compensate adequately for permanent injuries to the body.
Maybe a better approach for future competitiveness of farmers would be to ensure their region is known internationally as GE free.

Toxicity in GE maize approved for Australia

Genetically-engineered maize which has toxic effects on the kidney and liver of laboratory rats has been cleared for use as food for humans and animals. This maize has been authorised for markets in Australia as well as other countries.
Would you know if you are eating GE maize? In restaurants, for example? Would you know that you got sick from the maize oil used for cooking or in a salad dressing?
Meanwhile in Europe, organic farmers are trying to protect their regions from the damaging effects on farming caused by the introduction of GE crops. These include contamination by GE pollen and the effects on bees producing organic honey.

Birds eye view.

You can now see the coop from the perspective of a lorikeet on this wikimapia map.

Global warming

Shopping at the coop is a contribution to reduction of global warming. Together we can prevent Manly from going under water.
The coop encourages you to think about and act on a number of things when shopping.
Bring your own containers. Wasteful packaging not only rubbishes the environment but also uses energy. Transporting packaged food requires more energy than bulk food which you pack in your own container. Remaking containers for single use wastes large amounts of energy.
Buy local produce. The coop sells a range of local seasonal produce which is organically grown. The high energy use in transporting food from the other side of the world is avoided. Is it really necessary to eat mangos in winter? Try creative cooking instead.
Use sustainable transport. Shopping by bicycle is easy in Manly. You can park at the door. So often we see multi-purpose wheeled vehicles parked illegally with the motor running while someone is shopping ("Honest officer, I was not parked there. See the engine is running!"). A car trip for a carton of milk costs the Earth.
Support responsible farming. The coop researches all its products for sustainability in all respects. You can be sure that what you are buying is not costing the future.