[note the same is true in Canada according to another news item - but NOT in the EU
where it's being approved]
----- forwarded message -----
Date: Fri, 14 May 2004 06:52:40 -0600
From: Teresa Binstock <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
Subject: GM canola backs out of Australia
GM canola backs out of Australia
By Richard Black
BBC science correspondent
The biotechnology company Monsanto is withdrawing plans to grow
genetically modified canola (oilseed rape) in Australia.
The company says that recent legislation prohibiting the use of GM crops
means further investment is unjustified.
The news comes just two days after Monsanto announced it was withdrawing
its GM wheat globally.
In Australia, GM crops have received a mixed reception.
Although the Australian federal government supports GM agriculture, the
governments of Australian states oppose it.
Most have either banned GM crops outright or imposed moratoria. Monsanto
says that in this legislative environment, it is not worth proceeding
with GM canola.
Financially unattractive
Monsanto Australia's Communications manager, Mark Buckingham, says
restrictions on GM trials in many states have made their GM plans
financially unattractive.
"The international success of biotech crops continues to grow, with 15%
growth last year in the area of crops with GM traits around the world,"
he told Australia's ABC network.
"So the opportunities are there, but unfortunately the uncertainty
around canola in Australia has meant it's not an attractive business
opportunity in comparison to those other business opportunities."
Farmers and exporters are split on the issue.
The Grains Council of Australia, the main trade body for growers, says
an important opportunity is being missed.
But some farmers have warned that growing GM canola would compromise
exports to Europe, where consumers and therefore importers are looking
for GM-free products.
Canola exports earn Australia just under half a billion US dollars
annually.
There have also been concerns about gene transfer from canola to wild
relatives, leading to the growth of herbicide-resistant "superweeds".
Story from BBC NEWS:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-/2/hi/science/nature/3712241.stm
Published: 2004/05/13 16:39:11 GMT
© BBC MMIV
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