Print This PageFour-fold increase in GM canola planting shows benefits are truly being delivered
Victoria, Australia, Friday 26 June 2009. 40,000 hectares of Roundup Ready® canola have been planted throughout Victoria and New South Wales so far in 2009. That’s around 600 paddocks across the two States - representing more than a four-fold increase over last year’s planted area.
About 200 farmers are trying out the technology for the first time, while most of those who planted Roundup Ready canola in 2008 are growing it again in 2009.
Tony May, Canola Business Lead, Monsanto Australia Ltd, says there has been tremendous interest in the technology. “Over 1,200 farmers and agronomists have been accredited at Roundup Ready Accreditation sessions. Excitingly, there has been a significant increase in adoption of the technology with the Roundup Ready system making up approximately 10% of canola grown in NSW and Victoria this season.”
“Farmers around the world have embraced this technology across a range of crops. Monsanto is committed to sustainable agriculture and farmers who grow Roundup Ready canola enjoy the benefits of higher yields, better weed control and reduced reliance on residual herbicides.”
GM canola grower Reuben Cheesman from St Arnaud in Victoria grew 56 hectares of Roundup Ready canola last year and is increasing this to 180 hectares this year. “Lower herbicide costs and the ease of use of the system were true benefits. Together with higher yields, oil content and superior weed control in comparison to Clearfield® varieties, Roundup Ready has a distinct advantage over other systems,” he said.
Mr May said crops are on track with the majority already receiving their first application of Roundup Ready herbicide. With a good season, the industry can expect to see around 50,000 tonnes of GM canola arriving at silos this year.
“It’s great to see farmers planting Roundup Ready canola for the second year running. We’re confident farmers will again experience excellent weed control, along with increased yields and oil content from Roundup Ready canola, as we saw in 2008. The technology is delivering the benefits,” he said
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About Monsanto Company
Monsanto Company is a leading global provider of technology-based solutions and agricultural products that improve farm productivity and food quality. Monsanto remains focused on enabling both small-holder and large-scale farmers to produce more from their land while conserving more of our world's natural resources such as water and energy. To learn more about our business and our commitments, please visit: http://www.monsanto.com/.
Contact:
Honi McNaughton , Public Affairs Manager, Monsanto Australia Ltd 03 9522 7105 / 0418 324 894
®Roundup Ready is a Registered Trademark of Monsanto Technology LLC, Monsanto Australia Limited licensee.
®Clearfield is a Registered Trademark of BASF used under licence by Nufarm Australia Ltd.
