State Governments must seize the opportunities gene technology poses
for Australia?s agricultural production base ? both in terms of better and
more drought-resistant crops, and our long-term economic efficiency and
competitiveness on the world stage.
The National Farmers? Federation (NFF) says Australian farmers have
been ?left behind? by an international marketplace that has already embraced
GM as a safe and viable science. Australian farmers are now being ?held back?
from cutting-edge farm techniques, based on out-dated hysteria.

?What was once a prudent ?wait and see? policy, is no longer viable,?
NFF President David Crombie said. ?The science is in... the world has moved
on from the traditional and overtly emotional arguments against GM crops.

?Australia now must play catch up ? and do so quickly ? to ensure we
win a much greater share of world markets, opportunities which until the GM
moratoria are scrapped, will continue to pass us by.

?Farmers must have the opportunity to adopt the method of production
best suited to their customers? needs ? be that GM, conventional, organic or
any combination of these methods? points of differentiation they can pursue
to meet marketplace desires.

?It is the marketplace ? both domestic and international ? that is
demanding the introduction of GM crops. The ?status quo? will not do. State
and Territory Governments must not arbitrarily deny farmers pursuing
sensible, scientifically-proven and time-tested methods of production.

?Australian farmers are well-placed to responsibly harness the
enormous opportunities gene technology offers? reducing use of pesticides
and herbicides, maximising water efficiency, resilience in adverse growing
conditions and boosting production yields.?

While pushing for the State moratoria to be lifted, the NFF says the
production decisions of one farmer should not unreasonably impinge on the
ability of other farmers in meeting the requirements and expectations of the
market they chose to meet.

?As with any new technology, it is vital that producers identify and
thoroughly assess potential risks, and implement strategies to appropriately
manage them,? Mr Crombie added.

?The NFF is satisfied appropriate Australian safeguards exist to
ensure food safety and the sustained integrity of organic and conventional
food production.

?In fact, Australia?s Gene Technology Act 2000 establishes standards
regarded as the world?s most stringent for assessing GM plants for human and
environmental safety.

?Australia?s rigorous gene technology regulatory system, and the
careful process required to meet commercialisation, means that, with the
exception of cotton and canola, new GM plant varieties are unlikely to be
ready for another seven years ?highlighting just how far behind Australian
farmers are in the world market.

?The moratoria had their day. Uptake of gene technology will result in
substantial benefits for Australian farmers, the environment, consumers and
Australia?s place in the international economy.?

[www.nff.org.au]