VICTORIA saw a five-fold increase in the area sown to genetically modified canola last year and plantings are expected to accelerate. Monsanto Australia’s Peter O’Keeffe told the Rural Press Club of Victoria last week 62 growers planted 5000ha in the state in 2008, but this ballooned to 200 growers and 27,000ha last year. ”I am confident the trend will accelerate,” Mr O’Keeffe said.