Genetically modified (GM) crops can be safely grown and marketed alongside conventional crops in Australia, according to a new report released today by the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Peter McGauran. The report, A National Market Access Framework for GM Canola and Future GM Crops, looks at key supply chain issues that will need to be carefully managed to allow GM crops to co-exist with conventional crops. Mr McGauran said the report would help governments and industry to develop future coexistence strategies for GM crops.

The Federal Government says a new report on genetically modified (GM) crops is proof the technology is safe and poses no risk to human health or the environment. Green groups are furious, saying they do not want the state governments to stick with the existing ban on GM farming, but to extend the moratorium by at least five years. But farmers say Australian growers cannot afford to miss out on opportunities enjoyed by GM farmers overseas.

The Tasmanian Greens today called on the State Government to release any research it had done into the national and international marketing benefits to the State’s Brand and economy of the current moratorium on genetically engineered food crops, following assertions by pro-GE advocates that the moratorium has not benefited farmers.

The peak body representing Australia’s cotton growers has predicted an industry in the Kimberley would be lucrative should the Western Australian Government change its stance on genetically modified (GM) strains of the crop. The Western Australian Government has given its strongest indication yet that cotton may be exempted from its ban on GM crops, following a favourable report that is currently open for public comment.

The BFA group, Australia’s largest representative body of more than 1700 certified organic farmers, has lodged a submission today to the SA, NSW & Victorian Governments reviewing the moratoriums prohibiting planting of genetically engineered (GE) canola. ”The BFA submission comprehensively makes the case for continuing the moratoria on the planting of GE crops in Australia”, said Scott Kinnear spokesperson.

State moratoriums for genetically modified organisms should be removed, according to National Farmers Federation president, David Crombie. Speaking at last week’s Rural Media of South Australia luncheon, he said Australia was missing out by not considering GMs.

Most Australian states have started reviews of their 2004 GM Acts which carry a de facto moratorium on growing genetically modified (GM) crops. The pro-GM lobby has responded with an orchestrated campaign. [...] Australian State governments been caught up in a religious type rapture over biotech promises of silver bullets. They have become naïve investors seemingly unaware of biotech economic strategies. Industry lobbyists such the Institute of Public Affairs (IPA) and its PR arm the Australian Environment Foundation have egged them on.

A split has emerged between New Zealand and Australia over the approval of a type of genetically-engineered (GE) corn. The New Zealand Food Safety Minister has overridden the joint food authority’s approval of the corn for human consumption. New Zealand has deferred the approval of Monsanto’s high lysine genetically-engineered corn under its Food Safety guidelines.

The Northern Territory Government is likely to thwart any recommendation that a special task force makes to grow genetically modified (GM) cotton in the Territory. The North Australia Land and Water Task Force met in Darwin to discuss expanding agriculture in Australia’s rain-rich north. One of the things it considered was genetically modified crops. The Territory Government banned cotton crops in 2002 and Chief Minister Clare Martin is making it clear genetically modified cotton will not be accepted now. ”We’re very clear, and the Territory community is very clear, we do not support genetically modified cotton,” she said. The task force is is due to present its final report in 2009.

A Federal Government agency has been accused of manipulating the results of a survey showing more people are ready to accept genetically modified food. The Biotechnology Australia survey found 73 per cent of consumers accept GM food compared to 46 per cent in 2005. The Gene Ethics Network says the survey questions were loaded to promote GM crops as environmentally friendly. But Biotechnology Australia’s Craig Cormack says the survey holds up to scrutiny and reflects a true change in attitudes.