NSW Farmers Urge Government to End GM Moratorium

The National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) issued a media release that New South Wales (NSW) farmers are ready to adopt biotechnology to improve Australia’s agricultural productivity. NFF President David Combie explained that “Australian farmers are well-placed to responsibly harness the enormous opportunities gene technology offers. The State and Territory governments should give opportunities to farmers to adopt a method of production best suited for their customer’s needs – be that genetically modified (GM), conventional, organic or a combination of these”.  

The farmers believe that new GM plant varieties are unlikely to be commercialized for another seven years because of their Gene Technology Act 2000, regarded as the world’s most stringent regulation on GM plants; and the careful and difficult process of commercialization. This will put Australia far behind the international world market. The media release stressed that the Australian government should now realize the substantial benefits of biotechnology for farmers, the environment, consumers, as well as putting Australia’s place in international economy.  

The media release can be accessed at http://www.nff.org.au/read/2441922902.html