GM cotton paper released for public comment

3/8/07
Agriculture and Food Minister Kim Chance today released a report for public comment, examining the potential for genetically modified (GM) cotton production in the Ord River Irrigation Area.
The report was prepared by the Ministerial GM Industry Reference Group, and feedback is sought from stakeholders about future production of GM cotton in the Ord River Irrigation Area (ORIA).
The reference group was established in 2005 to identify logistical, agronomic, marketing and other issues relating to the use of biotechnology in agricultural crops in Western Australia.
The 'GM Cotton in the Ord River Irrigation Area' report is the first of a number of discussion papers being prepared by the reference group for public comment.
Mr Chance said the paper provided an overview of current and potential cotton production in Australia, as well as the status of global production of GM cotton and potential markets and prices.
"An analysis has also been completed on the potential opportunities for growing GM cotton in the Ord including water and chemical requirements, social impact and economic viability," he said.
"The discussion paper also outlines on-farm management issues and environmental and health considerations."
GM cotton has been growing in trial plots in the ORIA for more than 10 years without any significant problems and yields have been encouraging.
There is currently a moratorium on the commercial production of GM crops in WA and the State Government is seeking feedback from the community on allowing GM cotton in the ORIA.
The public comment period will be open for four weeks from today until August 31, 2007.
Copies of the report are available by calling Richard Williams from the Department of Agriculture and Food on (08) 9368 3675.
Submissions should be forwarded to Richard Williams, Department of Agriculture and Food, Locked Bag 4 Bentley Mail Centre WA 6983.
Minister's office - 9213 6700