Print This PageHundreds flock to WA GM canola field day
CUNDERDIN, WESTERN AUSTRALIA, 6 August 2009 — Hundreds of farmers, agronomists and industry representatives flocked to the first of four Roundup Ready® canola field days, hosted by Monsanto Australia and held on Wednesday 5 August.
The WA field days feature presentations from Monsanto, Department of Agriculture and Food WA, Murdoch University, Oilseeds WA, CBH and Nufarm, and also include a field walk where attendees can view and compare the Roundup Ready system to other canola systems.
Tony May, Canola Business Lead, Monsanto Australia Ltd, says there is tremendous interest in the field days – by farmers and industry keen to view the Roundup Ready canola technology themselves.
“It’s encouraging for farmers and the WA industry to see the high level of interest generated by Roundup Ready canola. The Cunderdin site hosted hundreds of very interested farmers and stakeholders who were eager to see the technology in the field and hear experiences first-hand from technical and industry experts. Our past experience has shown that farmers are keen to witness the technology for themselves so they can make informed decisions on how they may use the technology on their on farms. What these numbers show is that these events are valuable because they offer the ideal environment for farmers to talk to those that have been able to grow Roundup Ready canola as part of the WA trial.”
John Snooke, the farmer hosting the field walk during the August 5 event said, “It was encouraging to see the numbers of people interested in the Roundup Ready canola. Many questions were asked and answered and I believe the success of the technology is evident and will answer any critics. It’s another tool for the farmers’ toolbox and a great opportunity for WA farmers to experience what our eastern state cousins are now utilising in the field.”
Field days are also planned for Mt Barker on Friday 7 August, Esperance on Tuesday 11 August and Geraldton on Friday 14 August.
Tony May said, “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. It’s important for WA farmers to view Roundup Ready canola for themselves and to make their own choices.”
41,000 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.
WEDNESDAY August 5, 2009, WA GM canola field day, Cunderdin
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.
