Member for Moore Shane Love MLA has hailed the repeal of the Genetically Modified Crops Free Areas Act 2003 as a major win for WA’s grains sector.
1
The Nationals WA supported the repeal of the Bill, which was introduced by the former Carpenter Labor Government more than a decade ago to restrict the use of Genetically Modified (GM) technology.
Mr Love said The Nationals WA strongly support the agricultural sector having the right to choose whether to use GM technology on their own land.
“The Nationals WA are confident the WA grains industry has the protocols and processes in place to enable growers to deliver GM and non-GM canola to meet market requirements,” Mr Love said.
“WA Labor are vehemently opposed to GM technology and it’s clear they don’t understand the importance of GM as an agronomic tool, and don’t believe WA growers should have the right to choose what crops to grow in their production system.”
In 2010, the vision and leadership of former Agriculture Minister Terry Redman led the State Government’s efforts to grant an exemption to allow WA farmers to grow GM crops commercially in WA.
“There is keen support for GM technology, as evidenced by the widespread uptake of GM canola by WA farmers, with about one third of WA canola crops being GM canola in 2016,” Mr Love said.
“WA farmers are some of the most innovative and progressive producers in the world and can see the clear agronomic and environmental benefits of GM technology.”
Mr Love said research indicated GM technology was linked to increased productivity, profitability and competiveness in the grains sector.
“The repeal of the Bill will afford WA farmers greater certainty and will enable them to remain competitive in an ever-changing industry landscape,” Mr Love said.
“This is also a great outcome for companies looking to invest into agricultural research and will give them greater confidence when considering potential investments.”
