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GM bans not money-makers
The Land (NSW)
19/06/06
The view presented by Matthew Cawood (Is GM just a money-making venture?, 15/06/06) is absurd. Rather than telling a story about a hypothetical GM cabbage, he should take the short drive to the heart of Australia's cotton growing region to realise the impact of CSIRO's gene technology research.
In December, cotton growers celebrated the 10-year anniversary of growing GM cotton in Australia. This year over 90 per cent of the crop was grown to GM varieties. Growers have a choice of conventional and GM varieties, which include GM insect-resistant crops. Insect-resistant varieties have resulted in a 60-75 per cent reduction in pesticide use and a 90 per cent reduction in the use of endosulfan. Such benefits flow on to local communities.
The success of cotton can be largely attributed to the dedicated researchers who have worked with the cotton industry for decades, listened to the industry's needs and developed solutions. Many of whom have been recognised internationally for their scientific contribution, not their money making capacity as Mr Cawood would have us believe. Despite the impact of Australia's only GM agricultural crop, state governments have imposed bans on other GM crops, which according to ABARE economists will cost Australia billions of dollars if they are allowed to continue. Hardly, a money-making venture!
There is currently no path-to-market for approved GM crops which have undergone rigorous human health and environmental assessment. CSIRO is lucky to be able to retain its leading researchers in the current research climate. Producers are being denied access to crops in which they have invested to address on-farm needs and as a result, Australian agriculture may lose its competitiveness. Show us the money, Mr Cawood!
Paula Fitzgerald
Executive Director
Agrifood Awareness Australia Limited
Canberra
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