Biotechnology is helping develop crops that can withstand climate change, a
report from a government-led scientific bureau says.

The Bureau of Rural Sciences report says genetic modifications have
developed crops more capable of withstanding heat, water and nitrogen.

Further investigations into biotechnology for the agricultural sector need
to be encouraged and adequately funded, the report says.

"The adoption of GM insect-resistant cotton has proven very effective in
controlling insect pests," the bureau's executive director Karen Schneider
said in a statement.

"GM insect-resistant and herbicide-tolerant crops grown by Australian
farmers already help reduce greenhouse gas emissions from cropping by
reducing the fuel use associated with pesticide applications and encouraging
no-till or conservation tillage practices."

New GM technologies could also help reduce methane and nitrous oxide
emissions, leading to a reduction in the use of nitrogenous fertiliser, Ms
Schneider said.

The pro-GM findings are expected to anger groups including the Network of
Concerned Farmers, which is against the use of biotechnology to alter genes
in food crops.

www.checkbiotech.org