The GM canola debate has the potential to run off the rails, according to the New South Wales Farmers' Association, unless the truth about trials is made public.
 
Chair of the Association's Grains Committee, Angus Macneil says the recent flurry of claims and speculation about GM canola trials is stopping growers from having any chance of making an informed decision and the middle ground must be found.

"The Association supports trials and says they are necessary in providing answers to many concerns such as agronomic performance, trade issues, segregation, marketing and insurance.

"These are the issues that currently concern growers and GM canola should be put through rigorous testing of real-life situations like any new product.

"Our policy recommends the use of larger scale trials and we are calling on the NSW Government to publicly state the size of the trials and how they will operate.

"Speculation on whether the companies will insure and provide cover for liability to those who agree to trial the technology has also continued to fuel the debate.

"The Association believes the proponents of the trial must ensure that farmers who participate in these trials are covered, and the biotech companies must publicly identify their position on insurance and liability.

“Farmers need some assurance that they won’t end up with the prospect of court and legal fees.

"The Association will be pushing for all areas of the trials to be run within the strictest guidelines, with close monitoring of each step, and for contingency plans to be drawn up to deal with anything that may go wrong," Mr Macneil concluded.