Australia: The cultivation of GM rapeseed to begin in 2008

(December 10, 2007) Approval for the planting of genetically modified rapeseed in Australia will take effect at the beginning of next year. The federal states of New South Wales and Victoria have revoked moratoria that had applied since 2004 to the cultivation of GM plants.

However, the cultivation of GM rapeseed must be approved by local authorities and the freedom of choice of consumers must be maintained by the strict separation of GM of conventional rapeseed.

The two states are responsible for one half of the 1.5 million tonnes of rapeseed produced in Australia each year. Stating that Australia thereby may resume its competitive role in the international agricultural market, farmers’ representatives welcomed the decision. Canada may serve as a model: the nation is the largest producer of this crop world-wide and cultivates eighty per cent of its rapeseed fields with a GM herbicide-resistant variety.

Several lines of GM rapeseed had been approved years ago in Australia, and industrial seed producers have announced the launch in March of new varieties that display resistance to "Roundup" herbicides. Such GM lines may facilitate a significant economy of measures against weeds.

Last year, 38 per cent of Australian rapeseed was exported to Europe. Nonetheless, a representative of the Australian Oilseeds Federation stated the low interest of his association in the European market. Since export quantities to Europe fluctuate greatly, this disinterest was attributed to the unpredictability of trade relations.

In the four remaining Australian states, moratoria on the cultivation of GM plants remain in force.

See also on GMO-Compass:

• Global Cultivations Exceed 100 Million Hectares in 2006
• Rapeseed