Karen Schneider, executive director of the Bureau of Rural Sciences (BRS), today released the report Genetically modified crops: tools for insect pest and weed control in cotton and canola.

“Access to GM cotton crops has made a significant contribution to the cotton industry’s sustainable management of insect pests and weeds, and to the environment,” Ms Schneider says.

“Reduced application and expenditure on insecticides has increased the profitability and ease of growing cotton and improved community perception of the industry.

“Changes in the type and volume of pesticides used in GM cotton crops directly improve the estimated environmental impact of the cotton industry.

“This season, GM herbicide-tolerant canola varieties were commercially cultivated in Australia for the first time.

“GM canola varieties potentially offer Australian farmers increased yield and a greater choice of weed control options, including more environmentally friendly herbicides.

“The BRS report indicates that future developments in GM insect-resistant and herbicide-tolerant crops are likely to provide extensive agronomic and environmental benefits to Australian agriculture, helping our farmers increase their productivity and sustainability in the face of climate change.”

GM insect-resistant and herbicide-tolerant crops will help farmers to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from cropping by reducing the fuel use associated with pesticide applications adapt to impacts of climate change by tailoring crops to suit particular climates.

In Australia, GM organisms are regulated by the Office of the Gene Technology Regulator, and are assessed for risks to human health and safety and the environment.

* For further information or to download a copy of Genetically modified crops: tools for insect pest and weed control in cotton and canola: www.brs.gov.au.