New Genes for New Environments Project Launched in Australia

Two new research facilities have been launched in Merredin, Western Australia, which are designed to develop new crop varieties resilient to climate change. One facility under the ‘New Genes for New Environment' project is focused on evaluating the growth and yield characteristics of genetically modified grains. The other facility called ‘Managed Environment Facility' will focus on non-GM crop research.

"It is important for the Australian grains industry to have access to the latest innovation, including GM technology, to remain internationally competitive," says Minister Terry Redman. "Both [facilities] will target improvements in crop production needed to sustain the grains industry under climatic stresses such as drought, heat and frost…For our farmers to be at their most productive it's important for them to be growing crops that are suited to our environment."

The complete story is available at http://www.sciencewa.net.au/3662.html.