Government Report Says GM Crops Can Benefit Australian Farmers

Genetically modified (GM) crops can provide improved insect pest and weed control, resulting in agronomic and economic benefits for Australian growers. In addition they have environmental benefits through reduced use of insecticides and herbicides, increased adoption of no-tilling farming, and decreased fuel use. This was the conclusion of a report “Genetically modified crops: tools for insect pest and weed control in cotton and canola” published by the Australian Government Bureau of Rural Sciences.

Authors Ruth Holtzapffel and colleagues note that if GM herbicide-tolerant canola varieties were widely introduced to Australia, the primary benefit would be increased yield. Other likely benefits are increased options for in-crop weed control, increased yield in subsequent crops, and reduced environmental impact from herbicides.

Download a copy of the report at http://affashop.gov.au/PdfFiles/gm_croops26_nov_08.pdf