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

Victoria is set to lift its ban on planting genetically modified food crops
as early as February next year, paving the way for a rush of new food
varieties on supermarket shelves by Jason Koutsoukis .
Under pressure from the Federal Government and farm groups, the Bracks
Government is preparing to scrap the moratorium that stops farmers using
genetically modified products.

Other states are expected to follow Victoria's lead, which GM supporters
predict could cause a surge in agricultural productivity, with farmers able
to plant crops resistant to weeds, insects and salinity and that need less
water.

Federal Agriculture Minister Peter McGauran has told The Sunday Age it is
time for Australia to move on. "I strongly believe in the environmental and
economic benefits of GM crops," Mr McGauran said.

"Farmers have much to gain, particularly in times of drought, from growing
GM crops such as wheat and canola that use less water and herbicides than
conventional crops," he said.

"Our farmers will endure significantly higher costs, for no greater return ?
and consume more water than necessary ? if they are prevented from adopting
GM technology.

"But for farmers to benefit, Victoria must lift its moratorium on GM crops."

Sources close to Premier Steve Bracks say the government is satisfied there
is almost zero risk associated with GM crops and the ban "will be allowed to
expire next year".

Victorian Agriculture Minister Joe Helper told The Sunday Age that the
moratorium would expire on 29 February next year and signalled publicly for
the first time that the Government had an open mind when it came to
genetically modified crops.

"In the coming months, as the end of the moratorium approaches, the
Government will be consulting widely with industry groups and the
community," Mr Helper said.

"The federal Office of Gene Technology Regulator is responsible for the
regulation of human and environmental-health issues, while the states have
responsibility for marketing and production issues.

"Issues in Victoria are centred on what impact the use of the technology
would have on our trade markets, which requires a careful and considered
approach," he said.

"The Bracks Government continues to support research that assists our
farmers to remain competitive in international markets."

No state allows the planting of any GM food crops for commercial purposes,
although NSW and Queensland do allow the planting of GM cotton.

Victoria, also, allows the commercial cultivation of genetically modified
carnations.

But Australian scientists working under the auspices of the CSIRO and the
Grains Research and Development Corporation are involved in research into
ways to genetically modify plants to produce different effects. These
include resistance to drought and implanting extra health benefits, such as
the essential fatty acid Omega 3, into plant varieties.

The federal Minister for Trade, Warren Truss, labelled the state bans on
genetically modified crops as "idiotic" and said there was "absolutely no
danger to any of Australia's export markets if we allowed GM crops".

"It's often been argued by the opponents of GMOs (genetically modified
organisms) that somehow or other our trade will be disadvantaged and it is
nonsense," Mr Truss said.

"We were told that if we steer clear of GM crops there will be premiums and
bonuses for our products around the world, but those premiums simply do not
exist. It's a myth. They have never eventuated.

"Canada, the major exporter of GM canola, continues to increase market
share."

Mr Truss said that while Australian farmers were being forced to stand
still, "we are being left behind by farmers in India, China and North
America who are enthusiastically grabbing this new technology".

National Farmers Federation chief executive Ben Fargher strongly backed the
widespread introduction of GM crops.

"The integration of GM into our production systems could yield a variety of
benefits and reduced pesticide and herbicide use and increase water use
efficiency, drought resistance and increase crop yields," Mr Fargher said.

"We're very focused on the potential benefits and ? on the issue of choice
for farmers over whether they want to use the technology or not.

"The regulatory system we have ? through the Office of the Gene Technology
Regulator is recognised as one of the most stringent in the world."

Greenpeace Australia spokeswoman Louise Sales said introducing GM crops
posed huge dangers and Greenpeace did not support any loosening of the
moratorium.

[www.theage.com.au]