Australia should accept that genetically modified (GM) crops will be crucial in addressing the world food crisis, federal Agriculture Minister Tony Burke says. State governments have imposed bans on most food crops, with the exception of canola in NSW and Victoria. Scientists and environmentalists are concerned GM crops are difficult to contain and long-term health effects are unknown. Mr Burke, addressing an agriculture science conference in Canberra, said GM food crops would be necessary to address global food shortages.