January 7, 2008

 

Australia to battle climate change with GM crops

 

 

Genetically modified crops could help farmers combat climate change, as Australia faces rising temperatures and more frequent droughts, the country's agriculture minister said on Thursday (Jan 3, 2008).

 

In a hint that the government may no longer wish to subsidise billions to the nation's farmers each year to continue farming, Agriculture Minister Tony Burke called upon farmers to face up to climate change.

 

Australia's federal government has committed more than three billion dollars to drought relief since 2001.

 

Burke told commercial radio that the newly elected government was considering genetically modified crops to solve the problem of more persistent droughts.

 

Besides GM crops, changes in water strategies and ploughing methods may also help.

 

The year 2007 was the sixth hottest year since national records began in 1910.

 

Deputy Prime Minister Julia Gillard highlighted the need for urgent action, pointing out that parts of Australia have suffered from drought for more than seven years.

 

Burke said individual farmers, not the government, would decide which areas of the country were suitable for sustainable farming.

 

The National Farmers Federation (NFF) welcomed Burke's comments, saying it had pushed climate change initiatives but received little support from the previous government.

 

Federation spokesperson Brett Heffernan said climate change was likely to alter the face of Australian farming but pointed out that the agricultural sector had already changed in the past two decades. GM crops have been in Australia for more than 10 years and farmers would likely welcome them if it helps them cope with the drought.