Sydney, New South Wales
November 27, 2007
The
New South Wales Farmers’ Association says the State
Government’s decision to end the four year moratorium on
Genetically Modified canola crops is a win for the future
prosperity of agriculture.
NSW Farmers’ Association President Jock Laurie says giving
farmers the choice of using GM technology is the key to the
sector remaining internationally competitive, and is line with
the Association’s policy.
“The Association for some time has been seeking the removal of
the GM crop moratorium, as we believe farmers should have the
right to make an informed decision on the type of crops they
grow,” Mr Laurie said.
“This is a win for the environment, with GM crops potentially
meaning fewer emissions and less chemical use, heather soil and
more sustainable farming practices,” he said.
Research at Charles Sturt University has shown in a five-year
trial that one of the GM canola varieties consistently delivered
superior weed control, higher yields and oil quality and better
profits.
“Another report from Melbourne University found that if half the
current canola types were replaced with GM canola, Australia
would decrease its herbicide use, increase the area planted to
canola, and improve yields in both canola and wheat cropping
rotations.
“Importantly, the removal of the moratorium, with existing
strict health and environment assessments through
the Office of the Gene
Technology Regulator (OGTR), means those who wish to be
non-GM are protected,” Mr Laurie said.
As part of the change, an expert committee will be established
to assess whether industry is prepared and capable of
segregating GM and non-GM food crops.
The Minister will have the power to refuse approval to cultivate
a specific crop if there is a failure to meet the criteria
imposed by the expert committee, made up of pro and anti GM
groups.
“We would commend Minister Ian Macdonald, who over 3 years has
sought industry views through groups like the Minister’s
Advisory Council on GM Canola, on which the Association is
represented,” he said.
“The Association believes this development is possibly the start
of a new chapter in Australian agriculture,” Mr Laurie
concluded. |
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