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June 8, 2010
GM rapeseed plantings double in New South Wales, Australia
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After the removal of planting restrictions on genetically-modified (GM) rapeseed, the amount sown in New South Wales this year has doubled.
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The world's largest seed producer, Monsanto, said more than 100 farmers are now growing the crop. Luke Sampson, from Monsanto Australia, said about 23,000 hectares has been sown with the GM crop.
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"This is the first year in probably six or seven years that growers have sown into a full profile of moisture," he said. "With some half-decent spring rain, we should be in for a very good season across the board this year."
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Farmers said they have been missing out on advancements in GM rapeseed because of the ban that was only lifted in NSW three years ago.
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Michael Matthews plants conventional crops in the central west of NSW, and plans to grow genetically modified rapeseed. He said glyphosate herbicide is more environment-friendly than the other herbicides for ryegrass.
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Mr Matthews is a member of Producers Forum, which campaigns for more research now that the ban is lifted.
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"We're still in the very early days of growing round-up ready rapeseed," he said. "Most of the varieties that we have at the moment are still descended from North American varieties.
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"And to have a true variety to grow in Australia for optimum performance under our climate and conditions, is still yet to come to us. It could be some five to seven years away,'' he added.
