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Kingston, ACT, Australia
May 17, 2002
A gene technology forum with a horticulture focus will be
held next Monday (20 May) in Perth to provide growers,
councillors and the community with information about research
and development taking place in the horticulture industry.
"Much of the gene technology debate in Western Australia has
centred around genetically modified (GM) canola," said Paula
Fitzgerald, Executive Manager,
Agrifood Awareness Australia. "This forum aims to expand the
current debate and focus gene technology in horticulture.
"Participants will gain a greater understanding of the
science of gene technology, the regulatory framework, current
research projects, the role of field trials, consumer
perceptions, and how Australia sits in the global market," she
said.
The forums have been organised by Agrifood Awareness
Australia with the support of Horticulture Australia’s AusHort
Research and Development Program.
"In 2001, over 52.6 million hectares of genetically modified
(GM) crops were grown around the world involving some 5.5
million farmers from thirteen industrial and developing
countries," she said.
"While there are currently no GM fruits and vegetables
available in Australia, now is an ideal time for the community
to obtain as much information as possible about this research,
in order to make informed decisions," she said.
"There is considerable gene technology research being
undertaken in horticulture to improve crops such
as bananas, lettuce,
pineapple, papaw, passionfruit, tomato and mango," she said.
"Much of this research is at least five to ten years away
from commercialisation," she said.
"Researchers are
investigating in-built pest and disease resistance, and improved
quality," she said.
"Using gene technology, researchers not only
develop GM varieties, but can also identify genes and their
function, to produce improved conventional varieties," she said.
Speakers at the event include Dr Simon Robinson, Senior
Research from CSIRO Plant Industry, Dr Sue Meek, the inaugural
Gene Technology Regulator, and Paula Fitzgerald from Agrifood
Awareness Australia.
This forum is the third in series of five being held around
Australia. The remaining forums will take place in Echuca and
Launceston in upcoming months.
Agrifood Awareness Australia is an industry initiative
established in 1999 to increase public awareness of, and
encourage informed debate about, gene technology. The
organisation is supported by four peak bodies including the
National Farmers’ Federation, the Grains Research and
Development Corporation, Avcare, and the Seed Industry
Association of Australia.
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