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AUS – COEXISTANCE REPORT RELEASED 22 August 2007 Source: Australian Government http://www.maff.gov.au/releases/07/07122pm.html Genetically modified (GM) crops can be safely grown and marketed alongside conventional crops in Australia, according to a new report released today by the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Peter McGauran. The report, A National Market Access Framework for GM Canola and Future GM Crops, looks at key supply chain issues that will need to be carefully managed to allow GM crops to co-exist with conventional crops. Mr McGauran said the report would help governments and industry to develop future coexistence strategies for GM crops. “Australian farmers should be able to grow GM crops parallel with conventional crops,” Mr McGauran said. “State moratoriums on the production of GM crops prevent the release of licensed GM canola. If these bans are not lifted, farmers will be denied the opportunity to grow crops that will increase their international competitiveness. “With moratoriums in four states under review, GM canola could potentially be grown in Australia from 2008. It is therefore vital that the grains industry is able to make informed decisions about the coexistence of GM and conventional crops.” Key points in the report include: Growers want confidence the market will support them if they adopt GM crops Customers want confidence in the integrity of the supply chain Governments, industry, customers and the community want confidence that market choice can be maintained. The report identified a number of market access criteria for licensed GM crops, including: Identification of market requirements for the new variety Regulatory approval by key trading partners Establishing thresholds for accidental presence and Providing robust traceability and verification of product integrity. “GM crop varieties must be licensed by the Gene Technology Regulator before they can be grown in Australia to guarantee they are safe for both human health and the environment,” Mr McGauran concluded. The report by SGA Solutions, funded under the Australian Government’s National Biotechnology Strategy, is available on the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry website: http://www.daff.gov.au/agriculture-food/biotechnology.