Careful regulatory oversight to allow genetically modified wheat trials is important for the sustainability of the Australian grains industry.
The Office of the Gene Technology Regulator has issued a licence for Trigall Australia to conduct field trials of the genetically modified wheat in a search for increased tolerance to environmental stress experienced in Australian conditions.
Trials can take place in South Australia, New South Wales, Victoria and Western Australia following a Risk Assessment and Risk Management Plan and consultation with industry, authorities and experts.
It concluded that the trial poses “negligible risk to human health and safety and the environment and that any risks posed by the dealings can be managed by imposing conditions on the release.”
Grain Producers Australia policy supports grain producers having the choice to access and adopt appropriate new technologies, including crop biotechnology in farming systems, to support the capacity to manage their farming systems sustainably and profitably.
GPA Research Development and Extension Spokesperson Andrew Weidemann said with any new technology, access should be based on assessment by an independent science-based regulator.
“The Australian grains industry faces increasingly difficult climatic conditions and our sector’s ongoing profitability, competitiveness and strength relies on exploring options,” he said.
“We are well aware of the challenges and concerns regarding GM cereal crops and in this case, we support the scientific research and evaluation processes that this application for research trials has been subjected.
“If the trials find useful outcomes in an Australian context, these will be subject to other approvals before commercialisation is sought and we reserve our judgement here, particularly around economic impacts and market acceptance.”
Mr Weidemann said any uptake of any crop, GM or otherwise, ultimately lies with global and domestic markets, and what delivers best value to growers.
GPA responded to the Gene Technology Regulator’s consultation on Licence Application No. DIR 204 for the limited and controlled release of wheat genetically modified for increased tolerance to environmental stress by Trigall Australia.
GPA represents the interests of grain producer members and state farming members, holding legitimate responsibilities for around 22,500 levy-paying grain producers who contribute more than $31 billion to the economy.
ENDS
Further Information:
GPA RD&E Spokesperson Andrew Weidemann- 0428 504 544
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