[ExI] GM food allowed in Oz

[Damien Broderick]

<http://www.theage.com.au/news/national/gm-food-coming-to-shops-soon/2007/05/12/1178899169197.html?page=fullpage#contentSwap1>

GM food in Victorian shops soon

Jason Koutsoukis
May 13, 2007


VICTORIA is set to lift its ban on planting 
genetically modified food crops as early as 
February next year, paving the way for a rush of 
new food varieties on supermarket shelves.

Under pressure from the Federal Government and 
farm groups, the Bracks Government is preparing 
to scrap the moratorium that stops farmers using genetically modified products.

Other states are expected to follow Victoria's 
lead, which GM supporters predict could cause a 
surge in agricultural productivity, with farmers 
able to plant crops resistant to weeds, insects 
and salinity and that need less water.

Federal Agriculture Minister Peter McGauran has 
told The Sunday Age it is time for Australia to 
move on. "I strongly believe in the environmental 
and economic benefits of GM crops," Mr McGauran said.

"Farmers have much to gain, particularly in times 
of drought, from growing GM crops such as wheat 
and canola that use less water and herbicides 
than conventional crops," he said.

"Our farmers will endure significantly higher 
costs, for no greater return ­ and consume more 
water than necessary ­ if they are prevented from adopting GM technology.

"But for farmers to benefit, Victoria must lift its moratorium on GM crops."

Sources close to Premier Steve Bracks say the 
government is satisfied there is almost zero risk 
associated with GM crops and the ban "will be allowed to expire next year".

Victorian Agriculture Minister Joe Helper told 
The Sunday Age that the moratorium would expire 
on 29 February next year and signalled publicly 
for the first time that the Government had an 
open mind when it came to genetically modified crops.

"In the coming months, as the end of the 
moratorium approaches, the Government will be 
consulting widely with industry groups and the community," Mr Helper said.

"The federal Office of Gene Technology Regulator 
is responsible for the regulation of human and 
environmental-health issues, while the states 
have responsibility for marketing and production issues.

"Issues in Victoria are centred on what impact 
the use of the technology would have on our trade 
markets, which requires a careful and considered approach," he said.

"The Bracks Government continues to support 
research that assists our farmers to remain 
competitive in international markets."

No state allows the planting of any GM food crops 
for commercial purposes, although NSW and 
Queensland do allow the planting of GM cotton.

Victoria, also, allows the commercial cultivation 
of genetically modified carnations.

But Australian scientists working under the 
auspices of the CSIRO and the Grains Research and 
Development Corporation are involved in research 
into ways to genetically modify plants to produce 
different effects. These include resistance to 
drought and implanting extra health benefits, 
such as the essential fatty acid Omega 3, into plant varieties.

The federal Minister for Trade, Warren Truss, 
labelled the state bans on genetically modified 
crops as "idiotic" and said there was "absolutely 
no danger to any of Australia's export markets if we allowed GM crops".

"It's often been argued by the opponents of GMOs 
(genetically modified organisms) that somehow or 
other our trade will be disadvantaged and it is nonsense," Mr Truss said.

"We were told that if we steer clear of GM crops 
there will be premiums and bonuses for our 
products around the world, but those premiums 
simply do not exist. It's a myth. They have never eventuated.

"Canada, the major exporter of GM canola, continues to increase market share."

Mr Truss said that while Australian farmers were 
being forced to stand still, "we are being left 
behind by farmers in India, China and North 
America who are enthusiastically grabbing this new technology".

National Farmers Federation chief executive Ben 
Fargher strongly backed the widespread introduction of GM crops.

"The integration of GM into our production 
systems could yield a variety of benefits and 
reduced pesticide and herbicide use and increase 
water use efficiency, drought resistance and 
increase crop yields," Mr Fargher said.

"We're very focused on the potential benefits and 

 on the issue of choice for farmers over whether 
they want to use the technology or not.

"The regulatory system we have 
 through the 
Office of the Gene Technology Regulator is 
recognised as one of the most stringent in the world."

Greenpeace Australia spokeswoman Louise Sales 
said introducing GM crops posed huge dangers and 
Greenpeace did not support any loosening of the moratorium.