May 8, 2003

Commercial production of Genetically Modified Canola is being put on hold this season, with an agreed one-year moratorium, the Bracks Government announced today.

The Victoria Agriculture Minister, Mr Bob Cameron, said the moratorium was needed to allow a detailed study of its impact on Victorian export markets.

"This decision is the next step in our careful and cautious approach to addressing marketing issues relating to GM Canola," Mr Cameron said.

"A full market impact assessment for Victorian produce will be done before the 2004 season commences.

"There have been concerns about the impact of the commercialisation of GM Canola on Victorian export markets. These issues need to be satisfactorily resolved before we can confidently move forward."

In March this year, the independent Office of the Gene Technology Regulator issued preliminary advice that GM crops posed no risk to health, safety, or the environment. The final ruling is expected in June.

Mr Cameron said the moratorium, agreed to by gene technology companies, meant there would be no commercial planting of GM Canola even if the Gene Technology Regulator issues a general licence.

The Federal Regulator does not have the scope to consider or make a ruling on the market impact of commercial planting.

Mr Cameron said the Bracks Government wanted to resolve these issues for Victorian producers to ensure any future move to GM crops would not compromise markets.

"The Regulator's preliminary ruling is that the canola varieties proposed for Victoria meet all health and environmental requirements. However, the Victorian Government also has a responsibility to ensure our export markets are protected," he said.

"For example, both the Australian Wheat Board (AWB) and the Australian Barley Board (ABB) have set out their view that the commercial growing of GM Canola may have an impact on their markets.

"A season's pause will help determine and clarify whether there are significant market impacts."