The State Government today approved limited commercial-size trials for genetically modified canola to go ahead in Western Australia.
Agriculture and Food Minister Terry Redman said the announcement will allow trial crops to be planted in 2009 and involve about 20 farmers and approximately 1,000 hectares.
"This decision is a prudent and responsible one - to proceed in a cautious manner by allowing research to continue into the use of GM technology. I firmly believe the role of any Government is to ensure farmers have the choice and the tools to expand their businesses and grow their profitability," Mr Redman said.
"GM canola could potentially offer higher yields through better weed control and less fuel usage. Successful development of Roundup Ready canola could see this crop grown over lower rainfall areas which would be a great outcome for the entire State.
"The locations of the trials are to be determined. Growers that are interested will undergo stewardship training and then the proponent, together with CBH, will select up to 20 growers to undertake the trials under conditions approved by the Director-General of the Department of Agriculture and Food.
"I am confident that CBH has the protocols in place to manage the co-existence process to effectively segregate GM and non-GM canola through the transport, storage and marketing processes. These trials will assess those protocols as well as look at the agronomic performance of the crop.
"The department will work collaboratively with industry through the trials and assist all industry participants with auditing and on-site inspection of the new trials. It will then analyse the results.
"The decision follows a long consultative process with industry, the public, local government, and overseas experience."
The Minister said there would be stringent safeguards in place for the management of these trials.
"The trials will be managed in a closed-loop system which requires the product to be delivered to a specified receival point and processed by specified oil crushers," he said.
"This is the same management system that is being used successfully in New South Wales and Victoria, where Roundup Ready canola was grown for the first time this year."
Mr Redman said that he recognised concern in the community surrounding the issue of labelling in regard to GM food products.
"Labelling is an issue that requires a national perspective which is why I am following the national review of labelling with great interest. Linked in with this, I am establishing a WA intergovernmental committee," he said.
"This committee will investigate the issues of appropriate consumer information, labelling requirements and compliance with regard to GM foods."
Minister's office - 9213 6700
