Ireland will ban growing of GM crops, and a voluntary GM-free label can be placed on all animal products (such as meat, poultry, eggs, fish, crustaceans, and dairy) that are raised with GM-free feed, according to a GM-Free Ireland press release. Ireland joins Japan and Egypt as one of the few but growing number of countries that have banned the cultivation of GM crops.

GM-Free Ireland Co-ordinator, Michael O'Callaghan:

The Australian Greens today called on the Federal Government to vigorously pursue negotiations with the incoming Japanese Government over continued whaling operations in the Southern Ocean.

"Although diplomatic efforts undertaken by Minister Peter Garrett have thus far been rather unproductive, we now have a fresh opportunity with a new Japanese Government in place," said Australian Greens Senator Rachel Siewert.

The latest international report on threatened species shows that life on earth is under serious threat from increased extinction rates.

"The report Wildlife in a Changing World gives an extremely sobering prognosis for our planet's wellbeing," said Australian Greens Senator Rachel Siewert today.

The Australian Greens today said the Federal Government should commence legal action against Japanese whaling in an international court.

"The Greens welcome Foreign Minister Smith's recent comments that the option of undertaking legal action against Japanese whaling is still available, but this needs to be started now, and not down the track when Environment Minister's diplomatic relations fail," said Senator Rachel Siewert.

The Australian Greens have put their support behind the Fair Trade Fortnight (2-17 May), encouraging Australians to take part in events occurring around the country.

"Fair trade enables consumers to make an ethical choice when purchasing products, enabling even the simplest of transactions to have huge, global impact," said Australian Greens industrial rights spokesperson Senator Rachel Siewert.

"The movement advocates the payment of a ‘fair price' as well as social and environmental standards in areas related to the production of a wide variety of goods."

The Australian Greens today renewed calls for the Australian Government to intervene in the treatment by Japanese authorities of two Greenpeace activists.

"News that Greenpeace activists Junichi Sato and Toru Suzuki's bail conditions have finally been relaxed is welcome, but their ongoing fight for justice still continues," said Australian Greens Senator Rachel Siewert.