The New South Wales Farmers' Association applauds the recent decision by State and Federal Governments to create thresholds for acceptable levels of Genetically Modified (GM) material approved as safe for human consumption.

Chair of the Association's Grains Committee, Angus McLaren says the decision to make GM thresholds for product approved by the Office of Gene Technology Regulator nationally consistent makes common sense and business easier for farmers.

"This decision means that farmers will no longer be potentially liable for accidental or unintended GM material found in crops less than 0.9% or grain and 0.5% for seed," Mr McLaren said.

"This is a sensible outcome given recent contamination incidences throughout Australia of approved GM product and is consistent with the threshold permitted in arguably the most sensitive international market, the European Union," Mr McLaren said.

"This decision also creates more certainty among trading partners regarding Australia's stance on contamination if such incidences occur in the future," Mr McLaren said.

The Association is especially pleased that this announcement also means that the zero GM tolerance currently prevalent in moratoria legislation in NSW will be removed in favour of the new threshold.

The Association also hopes that the NSW legislation, which is set to be debated in Parliament, will also be amended to encourage trials to occur, as this information is required to ensure that farmers and consumers can make informed decisions regarding the technology.
 
Meanwhile, the recent release of an important paper from ACIL Tasman regarding segregation and liability is again assuring for farmers, with its key conclusions that current mechanisms are adequate to cope with this issue.

"Although we welcome the current agreement to universalize GM thresholds, the Association will ensure more work is done on the issue so that farmers who want to use this new technology, have access to it as soon as possible," Mr McLaren concluded.

Related release: Australian, State and Territory governments reach agreement on GM canola