Print This PageMonsanto welcomes new freedom of choice for WA farmers
PERTH, WESTERN AUSTRALIA (25 January 2010) -- Monsanto welcomes the decision by the WA government that allows farmers to grow GM canola in Western Australia.
Monsanto Australia Country Lead Peter O’Keeffe said the decision was a great step forward for WA growers. “This decision will enable WA growers to adopt the Roundup Ready® technology and experience the benefits of higher yields, improved oil content, excellent weed control and a more sustainable cropping system. Their counterparts in the eastern states are already experiencing these benefits – finally the wait is over for WA growers. It is disappointing, though, that some canola growers, those in South Australia in particular, still have to wait to experience these benefits – freedom of choice should be Australia-wide,” he said.
The 2009 limited commercial trial in WA demonstrated that the supply chain can manage the process of segregation without incident and within industry protocols.
“The trial was a complete success and this decision is a result of an industry committed and able to manage new crops through the supply chain. We should look forward to more innovation in grains sooner rather than later,” O’Keeffe said.
David Fulwood, one of the growers involved in the 2009 limited commercial trial from Cunderdin, said the decision was a step forward and we should be focused on the future and not become complacent when it comes to new technology and the benefits it could provide WA growers.
“I experienced the benefits firsthand as my crop yielded 1.55t/ha with oil content at 45.60 per cent. These figures are very pleasing – as all canola growers know and understand the importance of yield and oil quality. All WA canola growers now have access to the technology that can give them the same benefits and opportunities that I have experienced using the Roundup Ready system,” said Mr Fulwood.
“WA growers need to have the freedom of choice when selecting their methods of crop production, weed control and any advances that help us compete in local and global markets,” he said.
The benefits of growing Roundup Ready canola have also been highlighted in a recent study released by Curtin University of Western Australia. The report, “Evaluation of the environmental and economic impact of Roundup Ready canola in the Western Australian crop production system,” by research authors Dr James Fisher and Dr Peter Tozer, found that “Roundup Ready canola will be as profitable as or more profitable than triazine tolerant canola with a reduced environmental impact and slightly reduced fuel use.”
The limited commercial trial during 2009 saw 17 growers produce some 1400 tonnes of Roundup Ready canola. The trial successfully demonstrated the segregation of GM canola through the supply chain.
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Monsanto Company is a leading global provider of technology-based solutions and agricultural products that improve farm productivity and
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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.
