www.checkbiotech.org ; www.raupp.info ; www.czu.cz

Genetically modified, or GM, canola is finding ready acceptance in
international markets at prices very similar to those received for
conventional canola, according to ABARE?s new "Market acceptance of GM
canola" research report, March 2007.

The report examines acceptance of GM canola in world markets. Concerns
about acceptance led to moratoriums being imposed by state governments on
the commercial production of GM canola in Australia?s key canola producing
states.

"The report found that, in the traditional import markets for canola ?
Japan, Mexico, China, Pakistan and Bangladesh ? GM canola is generally
accepted as readily as conventional canola and is priced at very similar
levels," ABARE Executive Director Phillip Glyde says.

"Despite perceptions of resistance to GM grains in world markets, countries
that are producing GM varieties of soybeans, corn, cotton and canola
dominate the world export trade in these grains."

Glyde also pointed to the already wide use of products from GM crops in the
domestic Australian market, particularly with domestically produced GM
cottonseed and imported GM soybean products, and suggested that GM canola
will generally be accepted by food manufacturers and consumers in Australia?
s domestic market.

Australia?s traditional export markets for canola accept genetically
modified (GM) canola just as readily as conventional canola ? and pay a
similar price for both.

In welcoming the report Federal Agriculture Minister Peter McGauran, said:
"Fears about GM canola have proved unfounded and consumers around the world
now accept it to be a safe food ingredient. As a result of this, Australian
growers of non-GM canola are not receiving any overall premium. The report
also confirms that Australia, like many other countries including those
within the European Union, is already a large consumer of GM products".

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