Print This PageCurtin University study proves benefits of Roundup Ready® canola
Perth, Western Australia Tuesday 22 December 2009. Curtin University has released a report commissioned by Monsanto Australia titled, “Evaluation of the Environmental Impact of Roundup Ready canola in the Western Australian Crop Production System.” The report analysis suggests that “Roundup Ready canola will be as profitable or more profitable than triazine tolerant canola with a reduced environmental impact and slightly reduced fuel use.”
The report also presents the results of an analysis of the potential environmental and economic impacts experienced at farm level of Roundup Ready canola grown in Western Australia. The analysis also took into consideration the projected yields and costs, patterns of herbicides and fuel usage (and the resulting greenhouse gas production). The report draws from many global studies of GM canola in farming systems in Canada and USA and several local studies by prominent academics in the areas of weed control and economic agriculture analysis.
Curtin Report highlights the Economic and Environmental Benefits of using Roundup Ready canola:
- Results showed the profitability of Roundup Ready canola was equal or superior to triazine tolerant canola (Roundup Ready yielded 15% higher than triazine tolerant systems)
- Results showed a reduction in fuel use by up to half that compared to triazine tolerant canola reducing by half the overall cost of fuel using the Roundup Ready canola system
- Reduced greenhouse gases emitted using the Roundup Ready canola system due to reduced fuel use as the Roundup Ready system requires less herbicide sprays
- Roundup Ready canola requires minimum or no-tillage for sowing
- Roundup Ready offered a potential reduction in herbicide costs leading to a potential saving of $13-$20/ha
Dr James Neilsen, Canola Systems Specialist, Monsanto Australia says the report is an accurate representation of the benefits of Roundup Ready canola.
“The finding that Roundup Ready canola has less than half the environmental impact of triazine tolerant canola proves that the Roundup Ready system is beneficial to the environment as well as being more productive for farmers,” Dr Neilsen said.
“The excellent weed control achieved in the Roundup Ready system does not come at the cost of using chemicals that are persistent in the soil, with Roundup Ready canola – growers can choose to control weeds when they occur and are not locked into applying chemicals at the beginning of the season,” he said.
“In terms of the economic impact of Roundup Ready canola, one factor the study does not take into account is the level of weed control from the different canola systems. Farmer experience has shown Roundup Ready canola provides exceptional weed control and this only adds to the long term returns from the system,” Dr Neilsen said.
The report also states that the adoption of Roundup Ready canola is not implemented as a “silver bullet,” but as another tool for farmers to use to make their systems more profitable and sustainable.
“Monsanto have proactively implemented a Resistance Management Plan to protect the sustainable use of Roundup Ready canola, and will continue to review our plans to ensure they are effective,” Dr Neilsen said.
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.
Monsanto is committed to sustainable agriculture in Australia. Our technologies help farmers use fewer resources to grow more.
