Australia
April 21, 2010

Reported comments by some European grain traders regarding their purchase intentions for Australian canola and their requirement for non-GM varieties are completely in line with the Australian canola industry’s position of being able to deliver market choice, according to the peak oilseed industry body, the Australian Oilseeds Federation.

Reports in the media that some European and Japanese customers are seeking to purchase only non-GM canola from Australia, and the ability of the Australian canola industry to meet this requirement is exactly what was both expected and intended when approval to grow GM canola in WA was granted earlier this year. “The various Green groups seemed to have missed the point about the intention and capability of the industry to segregate non-GM canola to ensure that where there is demand for non-GM canola, it can be met” says Vice President of the Federation, Robert Green.

In the Eastern States, the rigour and robustness of the segregation protocols in place has been demonstrated over the past 2 canola harvests.

“The practical experience and success in segregating non-GM canola in the Eastern States has given the West Australian grains industry a walk up start in being able to ensure effective segregation throughout the supply chain of non-GM canola. This means that if any customers, be they domestic or international who require non-GM canola will be able to be supplied non-GM canola in line with their requirements. The Western Australian grains industry already has very robust segregation protocols in place, both between and within grains, and we are confident that the non-GM segregation will function as effectively and efficiently in WA as it has in NSW and Victoria” Mr Green said.

The AOF expects GM canola to account for around 5% of the national canola crop in 2010, leaving ample supply available for demand for non GM canola, if and when there is such demand from end-users. “The industry is committed to delivering market choice, and that is just what the industry will provide” says Mr Green.

Website: http://www.australianoilseeds.com

Published: April 21, 2010