News 
 National Rural News 
 Grains and Cropping 
 Oilseed 
 WA to start GM trials 

WA to start GM trials

23 Dec, 2008 03:36 PM
The WA Government this week announced its decision to allow approval of limited commercial-size trials for genetically modified (GM) canola to go ahead in Western Australia.

WA Agriculture and Food Minister Terry Redman said the announcement will allow trial crops to be planted in 2009 involving around 20 farmers and approximately 1000 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,” Mr Redman said.

"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."

Print
Increase Text Size
Decrease Text Size


comments


Date: Newest first | Oldest first
Wonders never cease to amaze. If they are so keen to trial the GM crops, why don't they jump on a plane and go and see trials and new commercial crops being grown in the states by thos were silly enough to think that the GM crops will be our saviour.

There are very similar cropping areas on the East Coast that would give a good enough indication to it's viability. The advantage for WA has been it's remoteness and also the quality and volume of grains and oilseeds that come out of the state.

The current canola price is a good indication that you may grow great crops but the world's lowest common denominator, being GM Canola, is going to determine what price you get.

If Canada is oversupplied, then take what you get for your canola. Grow non GM and you may have some advantage over the masses. There has still been nothing put forward that the GM canola is the golden goose it is cracked up to be. So why pursue it?

Posted by themule, 24/12/2008 8:38:51 AM
The late, great Dr William A Albrecht said in 1963: "The march of science has been insignificant compared to the strides we’ve made in foolishness". That statement is as applicable now as it was back then.
Posted by Richard Woolley, 24/12/2008 9:30:37 AM
Government has made a sound decision to give farmers a choice. Using fewer and less chemicals and fuel to grow a crop is very beneficial to whole community.
Posted by Excellent News, 24/12/2008 11:07:13 AM
Let GM technology get it's nasty little foot in the door and you will find the major world chemical companies have you by the short and curlies. It has happened in North America.
Posted by Canada, 24/12/2008 12:58:06 PM
Fantastic news!
Posted by Very Happy Farmer, 30/12/2008 10:24:09 AM

post a comment


Screen name  *
Email address  *
Remember me?
Comment  *
 
We invite and encourage our readers to post comments. Comments are moderated and will appear as soon as our editor has approved them. When posting comments you agree to be bound by our Terms and Conditions.
Related Coverage
ARTICLES
26 November, 2008
14 December, 2008
22 December, 2008
POLL
Q: Which Aussie farm produce will be part of your Christmas feast?

Pork
(16.3%)

Turkey
(14.8%)

Beef
(7.1%)

Lamb
(8.7%)

Seafood
(13.5%)

All of the above
(32.9%)

None of the above
(6.6%)

Total Votes: 392
Poll Date: 19 December, 2008

Most popular articles

Advertisement



Stock & Land







Weather brought to you by:

Weatherzone

Classifieds

Front Page

Current Issue
Privacy Policy | Conditions of Use | Advertising Terms | Copyright © 2012. Fairfax Media.
 SEND...
 SAVE...
 SHARE...