Western Australia
August 3, 2007
Western Australia
Agriculture and Food Minister Kim Chance today released a
report for public comment, examining the potential for
genetically modified (GM) cotton production in the Ord River
Irrigation Area.
The report was prepared by the Ministerial GM Industry Reference
Group, and feedback is sought from stakeholders about future
production of GM cotton in the Ord River Irrigation Area (ORIA).
The reference group was established in 2005 to identify
logistical, agronomic, marketing and other issues relating to
the use of biotechnology in agricultural crops in Western
Australia.
The GM
Cotton in the Ord River Irrigation Area report is the first
of a number of discussion papers being prepared by the reference
group for public comment.
Mr Chance said the paper provided an overview of current and
potential cotton production in Australia, as well as the status
of global production of GM cotton and potential markets and
prices.
An analysis has also been completed on the potential
opportunities for growing GM cotton in the Ord including water
and chemical requirements, social impact and economic
viability, he said.
The discussion paper also outlines on-farm management issues
and environmental and health considerations.
GM cotton has been growing in trial plots in the ORIA for more
than 10 years without any significant problems and yields have
been encouraging.
There is currently a moratorium on the commercial production of
GM crops in WA and the State Government is seeking feedback from
the community on allowing GM cotton in the ORIA.
The public comment period will be open for four weeks from today
until August 31, 2007.
Submissions should be forwarded to Richard Williams, Department
of Agriculture and Food, Locked Bag 4 Bentley Mail Centre WA
6983.
|
|
