Victorian moratorium on GM comes to an end

(March 01, 2008) Since February 29, 2008, farmers in the Australian state of Victoria have a broader choice of crops. Two lines of genetically modified rapeseed have been approved by the government for cultivation.

These approvals have ended a four-year moratorium on GM rapeseed in the federal state. The Victorian Farmers' Federation (VFF) has responded positively. Andrew Weidemann, VFF vice president for grains, refers to "competing on a level footing with other growers across the world." For Mr Weidemann, the approvals represent a "green-light day for Victorian agriculture" since new choices and opportunities for farmers in the state now may lead to the modernisation of farming methods in general.

The idea of a "level playing field" also has been presented by Joe Helper, Victorian Minister for Agriculture, who points out that relevant clearances with regard to health and the environment have been granted. Furthermore, in the next eight years, related revenue due to the new plants has been estimated by regulators potentially to increase by as much as 115 million dollars.

However, environmental groups foresee problems and postulate a broad consumer backlash. Scott Kinnear, spokesperson for Biological Farmers of Australia, speaks of a "scandal that needs to be overturned" and suggests a "GM Titanic" on its way towards an iceberg.

According to Mr Kinnear, local consumers are wary of GM products, as are buyers of Australian grain in Europe, Japan and the Middle East. Mr Kinnear states that Australian farmers would be better served by "listening to these sensitivities" and marketing their produce as GM-free.

See also on GMO Compass:

• Australia: The cultivation of GM rapeseed to begin in 2008 (December 10, 2007)

• GM Crops in Australia – will the moratoria end?