Australian GM animal feed study results in mid-2010

The results of a delayed Western Australia-funded animal feed study on genetically modified crops are expected to be released publicly by mid-2010.

The A$92,000 (US$84,200) study was commissioned by the previous state government in 2005 and funded in 2007. Concerns were being aired by relevant parties about the progress of the study as well as its accountability to taxpayers.

However, the study's proponent, Judy Carman of the Institute of Health and Environmental Research (IHER) in Adelaide, said a feeding study had been undertaken and data was being analysed and written up.

The research methodology will be published with the results, said Dr. Carman.

She noted that the main delay to the research came from the difficulty with getting hold of GM material to test.

"GM companies usually forbid independent research on GM seeds purchased from them and prohibit farmers from giving GM seeds to researchers, which delayed our research for years," she said.