NSW: NSW rules out 3,000 ha GM canola trial

AAP General News (Australia)
04-02-2004
NSW: NSW rules out 3,000 ha GM canola trial

The New South Wales government has ruled out a 3,000 hectare trial of genetically modified
canola.

But it will go ahead with three smaller research trials to test different varieties
of the GM modified crop against the traditional.

Agriculture Minister IAN MACDONALD says the decision to hold back on the large co-existence
trial is a result of opposition from the Australian Wheat Board.

He says the Board is concerned about the possibility of exporting the crop.

The announcement dashes the hopes of agri-business giants Monsanto, Bayer CropScience
and Australian Oilseeds Federation which had hoped to trial the 3,000 hectare of GM canola
this year.

The NSW Farmers Association welcomes the decision to begin trials, but says it's disappointed
the government has not gone further.

AAP RTV smb/nf/wz/jo/psm/

KEYWORD: GMO (SYDNEY)

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