Many farmers have welcomed the decision of the New South Wales and Victorian Governments to allow commercial production of genetically-modified canola. Canola grower Michael Mathews, from Young in southern New South Wales, says the end of the GM moratorium is a great relief. ”In my personal position, having the choice means that we can rotate with a larger range of chemicals in our crops, and I think Australia will benefit more from this technology than a lot of other countries, due to the fact that frost tolerance, drought tolerance, salt tolerance and soil acidity are all tolerances which can be now bred in to our crops.”

Within minutes of each other yesterday the Victorian and New South Wales Governments lifted the moratorium on genetically modified canola crops. Victorian Premier John Brumby has assured the public that the decision means farmers will be able to choose the nature of their crops. ”Farmers and consumers will get choice,” he said. ”Farmers will have their choice as to whether they wish to grow a GM canola or whether they wish to grow a non-GM canola.

Australia’s New South Wales and Victoria states will end four-year bans on genetically modified canola crops, opening up the market in the world’s third-largest exporter of the oilseed to Monsanto Co. Genetically modified, or GM, canola will be available for planting in New South Wales for the 2008 growing season on a limited basis, Ian Macdonald, the state’s minister for primary industries, said today in a statement. Victoria will end its ban next year, the state government said in a separate statement.

STATE Labor MPs have expressed ”grave fears” that lifting the Brumby Government’s controversial ban on genetically modified crops would harm the environment and economy, as well as damage the state’s green image. Newly elected MP Martin Foley has joined four caucus colleagues from across Labor’s factions in calling for the ban on genetically modified canola crops to remain. The group have all written to a scientific panel chaired by Sir Gustav Nossal, which has handed its report on the economic impact of removing the ban to Premier John Brumby.

Supermarket giant Coles has joined the organic industry in speaking out against genetically modified food as State Governments appear closer to lifting of their bans on the commercial growing of GM food crops. When asked what Coles’ position was, at a Parliamentary forum on Tuesday, Coles representative Chris Mara stated that, ”Coles listens to our customers and over 90 per cent do not want GM ingredients in their food and Coles whole private label range of ’Smart Buy’, ’You’ll Love Coles’ and ’Coles Finest’ exclude all GM ingredients in response to customer concerns”.

WHATEVER Premier John Brumby decides after a four-year moratorium on genetically-modified crops is certain to reap a whirlwind. [...] the moratorium should stay. Farmers are only one part of our food chain and Premier Brumby would do well to consider that before he commits to a brave new world where at least two other states fear to tread.

The political parties are polarised on Genetically Manipulated (GM) crops and foods according to Gene Ethic’s scorecard of party policies. This reflects the contest between the GM giants and citizens that rages in the wider community. Voters should heed this divide when voting next week. ”The Greens topped the poll, with proactive plans to deal with GM’s environment, health and economic risks on global, national and state levels,” says Gene Ethics director Bob Phelps.

Australia’s largest frozen lamb exporter has joined calls for state bans on genetically modified crops to be extended. South Australia, Victoria and New South Wales are all reviewing their moratoria on commercial GM crops, and are under pressure from farm groups and the Federal government to lift the restrictions. Food processor Goodman Fielder has called for the bans to stay, and has been backed by South Australia’s Tatiara Meat Company, which wants the GM bans to continue for another five years.

A long-term trial has demonstrated the potential yield and profit advantages that a genetically modified (GM) canola variety offers Australian grain growers. These results are adding to the call to lift the current moratorium on growing GM canola commercially in Australia. Conducted by Charles Sturt University’s (CSU) Professor Jim Pratley at the EH Graham Centre for Agricultural Innovation at Wagga Wagga, NSW, the yield and economic performance of a GM herbicide tolerant canola variety was compared with conventional canola varieties over a typical five-year crop rotation system.

ONE of Australia’s largest food companies has joined consumers in urging the State Government not to lift bans on genetically modified crops when it considers the issue this week. In a letter to Premier John Brumby, as well as other premiers, Goodman Fielder, which owns brands including Meadow Lea, Praise, White Wings, and Helga’s, warned that ”consumers are increasingly concerned about the uncertainty surrounding the possible long-term effects of consuming genetically modified material”.