A new booklet addressing key gene technology issues will be launched today, Wednesday 13 March, at the Western Australian Farmers’ Federation (WAFF) Annual General Meeting in Perth.

Speaking at the event, Ms Paula Fitzgerald, Executive Manager, Agrifood Awareness Australia said, "Gene technology is having, and will continue to have, a large impact on Australia’s farming community".

"While Australia currently only has two genetically modified (GM) commercial crops – cotton and carnations – there are several other crops currently being trialled, including GM canola.

"During the past twelve months there has been considerable debate about the management of GM crops, including calls for GM Free Zones," she said. "Such demands need to be carefully understood, as implications for farmers could be enormous, potentially restricting cropping options".

"Farmers are naturally concerned about market access, but GM Free Zones may prove to be short-sighted, denying farmers the opportunity to grow new improved varieties," she said. "The answer may lie in the development of systems which allow for all types of agriculture to operate together – be they conventional, organic or genetically modified".

"Each GM product or crop needs to be judged on an individual basis, rather than making blanket decisions," she said.

"We must ensure that farmers have the ability to select the crop or product best suited to their individual business needs," she said.