By Geoff Adams
State bans on genetically modified crops are putting the future of
Australia's agriculture sector at risk, Federal Agriculture Minister Peter
McGauran says.
Victoria and Tasmania are reviewing their GM policies, but NSW has a
moratorium on GM cultivation until at least March 3 next year.

Last week, Mr McGauran said the effects of biotechnology were immense.

"As the world's population increases, there is demand for more, and
healthier, types of food," Mr McGauran said.

"There will also be demand to use crops for energy production and for
new industrial and pharmaceutical uses.

"Biotechnology is helping to provide answers to these challenges.

"The states and territories must remove their moratoriums on GM crops
to allow farmers to choose which crops they want to grow, and provide
researchers and investors with a clear pathway to the marketplace."

Victorian farmers want the right to choose whether or not they use
biotechnology in their farming systems.

VFF president Simon Ramsay said he was encouraged by reports the
moratorium on GM canola might be left to sunset in 2008.

"Victoria's farmers need access to developments in production
technology if they are to remain competitive in the world market place," Mr
Ramsay said.

A new ABARE report says the commercialisation of GM canola in
Australia is likely to have only negligible direct impacts on the organic
canola, livestock and honey industries.

The report, Potential impacts from the introduction of GM canola on
organic farming in Australia, investigates the potential economic impacts of
the commercialisation of GM canola in Australia on domestic organic
agriculture, and looks into the treatment of GMOs in organic certification
standards in Australia and in Australia's main organic trade partners.

Certified organic agriculture has grown rapidly in recent years, but
remains a small market providing food to those who want to avoid potential
chemical residues and GM material.

"Australian organic standards tend to be more stringent than those in
our export markets," ABARE executive director Phillip Glyde said.

"Therefore, Australian certified organic products are likely to
continue to be accepted in export markets if GM canola is introduced in
Australia.

"However, the stringent domestic requirements may reduce Australia's
price competitiveness."

Mr Glyde cautioned that the introduction of GM varieties of other
crops that were more extensively grown in Australia as certified organic
might have a different impact.

In releasing the report, Mr Glyde acknowledged funding under the
Australian


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