THERE have been mixed reactions from local farmers following the lifting of the moratorium on growing genetically modified canola last week.
Agriculture and Food Minister Terry Redman has approved an exemption order to permit the cultivation of GM canola.
Agricultural companies praised the decision while conservation groups, consumer groups and the opposition raised concerns about the health and environmental implications of GM food.
Premier Colin Barnett said the decision would offer growers added choice in their cropping systems.
“This decision brings WA in line with the other major grain-growing States, New South Wales and Victoria, where growers have been able to grow GM canola commercially since 2008,” Mr Barnett said.
“WA farmers are some of the best in the world, but they need to have access to new technology like GM canola to remain competitive in the global marketplace.”
Nungarin farmer John Shadbolt said he was pleased the ban had been lifted and would be applying to grow the GM canola, known as Roundup Ready Canola, this year.
“I might trial 50 to 100 hectares first up,” he said.
“I think GM crops aren’t necessarily going to be the be-all and end all, but they’re going to be useful into the future.
“I’m more interested in how to clean weedy paddocks up and it will give us a good tool to do that.”
But Merredin farmer Andrew Crook was cautious.
“Personally I’m not going to rush into it, and I don’t think I’ll put any in this year – I would like to see how it goes first,” he said.
“I grow Triazine Tolerant (TT) Canola and I find that it fits into my rotation very well, so if a new improved variety like GM comes out then I will consider it.
“But I think it’s a step in the right direction, because it’s accepted worldwide and it gives farmers another option.”
Elders agronomist Courtney Piesse said the lifting on the ban of GM canola was positive for farmers as it could increase flexibility, productivity and maybe open the door for other GM products in the future.
“It’s a step forward, but it has to be done correctly, to ensure that we maintain glyphosate as the best weed control option that we have,” he said.
“It shouldn’t be adopted to go everywhere, but as a targeted approach towards some paddocks, as another option along with TT and Clearfield and all your other rotations.”
The catch with both TT and Roundup Ready canola is that weeds can potentially develop tolerance to herbicides used on them.
“The rate of triazine-resistant radish (weed) still remains relatively low, whereas with glyphosate we don’t know how it’s going to go down the track,” said Landmark agronomist Dave Meharry.
“But there will be some pretty quick advances in the next few years, for example they’ll bring out varieties of GM canola with better yield and suitable for lower rainfall.”
Not all farmers have been pleased with the legalisation of GM crops.
The Network of Concerned Farmers raised concerns over issues such as cross-contamination to non-GM crops, which could complicate the marketing of grain to consumers who want GM-free products.
However, Mr Meharry said there were strict guidelines ruling the growing of GM canola and all farmers would be required to sign an agreement and complete a course before purchasing the seed.
Seed must be accessed through trained Technology Service Providers who will also carry out surveys to check on GM crops.
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