WA repeals GM bill
PRESSURE from key farm lobby groups surrounding the cultivation of genetically modified (GM) food crops saw the WA State Government repealing its GM Free Areas Bill of 2003.
State-based farmer lobby groups WAFarmers and the Pastoralists and Graziers Association (PGA) had launched a strong campaign to try and have the Bill repealed before the State Government went into caretaker mode for the upcoming State election, due in March.
The repeal will mean GM food crops can be legally grown without the need for exemptions.
WA farmers have had access to GM canola for several years now but each year it required an exemption to the Bill. Now the need for an exemption is gone.
President of WAFarmers‘ grains section Duncan Young said the news created certainty for WA’s cropping sector.
“We are pleased this issue was resolved before government headed into caretaker mode,” he said.
“The passing of the Bill not only gives certainty to farmers and researchers, but provides new opportunities in innovation in crops in the future.”
“WAFarmers, PGA and (plant science peak body) CropLife Australia have worked collaboratively to progress the repeal of the moratorium in WA, and we see the repeal as a significant step forward for agriculture in this state.”
Earlier this month, Mr Young expressed concern that the slow progress of the Bill through Parliament was creating uncertainty for planning in the 2017 season.
“WAFarmers has always supported giving growers the choice to grow GM crops, and with the passing of the Bill, they can now make that choice as to whether the use of genetically modified cultivars is an option they want to pursue,” he said.
Matthew Cossey, CropLife chief executive said the decision was a win for science.
“Policies based on facts and science have never been more crucial and the government’s commitment to secure WA’s agricultural sector growth as an important component of the economy must be applauded.”
“The passing of the government’s repeal bill ensures WA’s agriculture sector continues to be able to embrace innovation and modern improved farming technologies, serving WA growers well now, and in the future, and clearing the way for a more productive and environmentally sustainable agricultural sector,” said Mr Cossey.
He threw a broadside at the South Australian government, which still has a moratorium on the production of GM food crops.
“The WA Government’s support of farmer choice should be held up as a shining example to all other states with unnecessary moratoria on GM crops.”
Monsanto Australia managing director Tony May was also pleased with the news, saying it was good for the ongoing productivity and profitability of agriculture in Western Australia.
“GM crops have been safely grown in Australia for 20 years and GM Canola has been grown in WA since 2010,” he said.
“Farmers can now make decisions about their cropping business with greater certainty, on par with their competitors in other Australian states and internationally that allow GM crops to be grown.”
However, not all were happy with the decision.
FOODwatch spokesperson Janet Grogan warned the issue was not yet over, questioning whether the Bill should have been debated so quickly.
Ms Grogan said “I question whether the Repeal Bill should have gone to debate anyway with the current Agriculture and Food Minister Mark Lewis, who is the fourth minister in this role, not having participated once in the debate.”
“We also question the rationale in removing the Act given the current economic, political and global trade uncertainties regarding GMOs.
“It is an extraordinary move to throw away the ability to assess, on a case by case basis, market and economic risk to WA of GM crops when they continue to be controversial worldwide,” she said.