Oils ain’t oils – the benefits of GM oilseed crops

Healthier oils, cheaper production costs and reduced environmental impacts may be within reach if genetically modified (GM) crops are adopted by the oilseed industry.

Releasing the Bureau of Rural Sciences report GM oilseed crops and the Australian oilseed industry, Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Peter McGauran, said the adoption of gene technology could provide consumers with significant health benefits.

"Research is underway into the development of GM oilseed crops that produce healthier oils with better ratios of unsaturated fats, high levels of omega-3 oils normally sourced from fish and increased levels of essential amino acids and vitamins," Mr McGauran said.

The world’s major oilseed crops are soybean, rapeseed (including canola), peanut, oil palm and sunflower. They are widely used in food, feed and industrial applications. Australia produces between two and three million tonnes of oilseeds each year, with canola and cottonseed being the major crops.

"Currently, GM cotton is the only approved GM oilseed crop to be commercially grown in Australia," Mr McGauran said.

"Growing GM cotton is already proving to be both environmentally and economically beneficial to the cotton industry. Growing GM insect-resistant cotton significantly reduces the use of insecticides and production costs. Environmental and production benefits are also seen for GM canola varieties grown overseas.

"GM oilseeds also have the potential to cut production costs, increase product value and diversify the range of goods produced by the oilseed industry.

"With the acceptance of such GM oilseed varieties, Australia would successfully compete with GM canola and soybean varieties currently produced overseas."

In Australia, all GM plants are assessed for risks to human health and safety and the environment and are regulated by the Office of the Gene Technology Regulator (OGTR). Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) is responsible for carrying out safety assessments of GM foods to make certain they are safe for human consumption.