Australia
November 27, 2007
The decision by the New South
Wales and Victorian Governments to lift their moratoria on the
commercial production of genetically modified (GM) canola is
welcomed by GRDC Chairman,
Keith Perrett.
Mr Perrett, a New South Wales graingrower, said the decision
provided growers in these states the chance to bridge the
technology gap with their main competitors in North and South
America.
He said that more than a decade’s experience with GM canola
varieties in other countries had demonstrated the technology’s
safety and its clear environmental and commercial benefits.
“The decision now places the Australian canola industry on a
level footing with its’ international competitors.
“Today’s announcement provided greater choice and certainty for
the Australian grains industry and the GRDC,” Mr Perrett said.
He predicted it would also encourage further research in
Australia of other important GM applications that scientists
were confident would speed-up the breeding of crops that would
be:
- more resilient to
prolonged dry periods
- tolerant to saline
conditions
- resistant to pests and
disease
- able to confer direct
health and nutrition benefits to consumers.
“This announcement provides a
clear path forward that will allow Australian grain growers to
benefit from a much-needed technology boost to enhance their
international competitiveness in global grain markets.”
“It also means that growers will be better equipped to face
challenges such as climate change with increased confidence.
“The Australian grains industry is committed to delivering
market choice and has worked hard to develop processes and
protocols for the management of GM and non-GM grains within the
Australian grains supply chain.
“The processes and protocols have received widespread industry
endorsement by representative industry organisations and grower
bodies, including grain handlers and marketers.
“I encourage the South Australian Government to acknowledge the
benefits of this technology and follow the lead of the New South
Wales and Victorian Governments to give South Australian growers
an opportunity to more effectively compete with their overseas
competitors,” Mr Perrett said. |
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