More than 100 Victorian farmers to plant GM canola

(April 3, 2008) - After a four-year moratorium on genetically modified (GM) canola ended in February, more than 100 farmers in the Federal State of Victoria (Australia) plan to plant GM canola this season. GM canola is herbicide tolerant and promises higher profits for the farmers. Biotechnology giants Bayer and Monsanto have approval to develop and market GM canola. However, a limited supply of seed will limit the number of farmers who can plant the canola this year.

Monsanto provides the technology for three seed companies that will supply farmers in Victoria with a limited amount of seed for autumn planting. They expect to be able to supply up to 190 growers with seed. Bayer does not expect to be ready for a commercial launch before 2010.

New South Wales (NSW) has also lifted its ban on GM canola and will allow commercial production under strict conditions. “This move brings us in line with Victoria and overseas countries such as Canada, which is the dominant exporter of canola, where GM canola is approved”, Primary Industries Minister of NSW Ian Mcdonald said. The moratorium in New South Wales has only been lifted for GM canola and remains in place for the commercial production of all other GM food crops.

Although, farmers in Victoria are not obliged to declare where GM Canola will be planted, Monsanto must disclose sales in its annual report to the national Gene Technology Regulator. Pioneer, one of the seed companies involved, said farmers will plant a few thousand hectares of GM canola, mostly in the Western district of Victoria.

See also on GMO-Compass:

• Cultivation of GM crops: Cultivation Areas Worldwide in 2007 (with statistics and diagrams)

Further information:

• GM canola moratorium information (NSW Department of Primary Industries, Australia)