By Orietta Guerrera
After returning from a research tour through North and South America
and Europe last year, any doubts that third-generation grain grower Andrew
Broad had about the benefits of genetically modified canola subsided.
"I spent a lot of time talking to farmers who have been growing the
crop for 10 to 12 years, and I asked them if they could turn back the clock
what are the mistakes they've made and have they made the right decision,
both environmental and financially," he said yesterday.

"I saw both sides of the argument, but most of the farmers I spoke
to ? were overwhelming in support of the technology.

"Farmers tell the truth to other farmers."

Mr Broad, 32, intends to be among the first Victorian farmers to grow
GM canola after the State Government announced yesterday that it would not
extend its ban on the commercial production of GM canola when it expires in
February.

Rejecting the current canola varieties on the market as "substandard",
the young farmer from Bridgewater, north-west of Bendigo, has over the past
four years gradually halved the area he sows with canola. But with the ban
now lifted, he plans once again to increase his crop to close to 400
hectares.

On what is a highly controversial topic among consumers and
agricultural communities, Mr Broad denies he is a "one-eyed" GM supporter.

He said he had been swayed by research showing that GM canola can
boost yields, reduce on-farms costs and use of pesticides, and help with
weed management.

"I just felt that this is something where Australian agriculture was
being left behind in the global market," Mr Broad said.

Only limited GM canola will be available for next autumn's planting
season because of a shortage of seed. But Premier John Brumby said it should
be available to all farmers by 2010.

"I think we'll see a slow uptake at the start, but that would be a
matter of choice for farmers," he said.
[www.theage.com.au]