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

The push to allow genetically modified (GM) cotton to be grown in the
Kimberley region of northern Western Australia has been formally supported
by the Shire of Wyndham East Kimberley.
A staff recommendation to lobby the State Government to allow GM cotton to
be grown in the region was passed unanimously at this week's council
meeting.

The State Government has a moratorium on commercial GM crops until 2008.

The state Agriculture Minister Kim Chance says the ban will not be lifted
until he is confident GM crops do not pose health risks.

Shire president Michele Pucci says GM cotton should be exempt because it is
not a foodstuff and will provide benefits including increased employment.

"Obviously the state has its reasons why they have the moratorium on GM
crops but what we're requesting is that they have a look at GM cotton which
will not be used for food," he said.

"This isn't about all GM crops, this isn't about a food GM crop, this is
about cotton."

A spokeswoman for the Minister says a discussion paper analysing GM cotton
research trials in the Ord Valley will be released shortly.

[www.abc.net.au]