GENETICALLY modified canola can from this year onwards be commercially grown in Western Australia, following a decision today by the State Government.
Agriculture and Food Minister Terry Redman has approved an exemption order under the Genetically Modified Crops Free Areas Act 2003 to permit the cultivation of GM canola, which he says will offer growers added choice in their cropping systems.
Premier Colin Barnett said giving farmers access to GM canola fulfilled a key election promise to allow planting of GM cotton in the Ord Irrigation Scheme and the approval of commercial-size trials of canola.
"This decision brings WA in line with the other major grain-growing States, New South Wales and Victoria, where growers have been able to grow GM canola commercially since 2008," Mr Barnett said.
"WA farmers are some of the best in the world, but they need to have access to new technology like GM canola to remain competitive in the global marketplace."
Mr Redman said commercial trials in WA last year demonstrated successful cultivation and segregation of GM canola.
"The 17 commercial growers of GM canola throughout the agricultural areas were impressed with the performance of the GM technology package when compared with other varieties of canola," he said.
More than 1200 tonnes of GM canola were delivered to designated CBH Group receival sites during the trial.
The report on the trials indicated there were 11 minor events and all were managed appropriately and segregation from paddock to port was achieved.
The decision was immediately welcomed by as "a triple win for the State" by Agrifood Awareness Australia.
Executive director Paula Fitzgerald said growers would have the choice to use the best tools available; researchers would have certainty about science-based decision-making; and the community would have confidence in sustainable food production.
"The uptake of GM canola increased four-fold in eastern Australia between the first and second years," she said.
"This is clear evidence that producers want the opportunity to include these varieties in their farming systems.
"Since GM canola varieties were first commercialised in 1996, a large amount of scientific analysis and evidence has been collated.
"GM canola delivers superior weed control, higher yields and oil quality, cost reductions, less herbicide sprays and a reduction in greenhouse gases."
WA farmer and national convenor of the grassroots farm body, the Producers Forum, Rod Birch, described the move as a "logical, progressive policy".
"WA farmers need this globally proven and endorsed technology," he said.
"We cannot afford to be shackled to the past. Our key competitors in Canada have had GM canola for 14 years and our colleagues in Victoria and NSW have now had it for two years."
Email a friend