Why Australia Needs Biotech Says Future Grains Leader

Australia risks losing its significant expertise and the international position it has established in advanced genetic research “if, as a country, we do not soon sort out our path forward on GM.” This was forwarded by Dr. Matther Morell, leader of the Future Grains, Grain Based Foods and Feed research program within CSIRO’s Food Futures National Research Flagship.

Morell says that Australia needs genetic modification (GM) as it provides the opportunity to increase the productivity of plants through three major avenues:  improving the performance of plants under environmental stress, focusing on resistance to pests and diseases, and modifying the composition of plants.

 “GM technology has delivered demonstrated strong economic and environmental benefits internationally (and in Australia, through GM cotton) without scientifically demonstrated negative impacts. If we fail to proceed with GM technology we will only succeed in putting Australian agriculture, and our economy, further behind the eight ball,” Morell concluded.

View http://www.sciencealert.com.au/opinions/20080109-17883.html for the full article.