Media Release: VICTORIA ANNOUNCES REVIEW OF GM CANOLA MORATORIUM

FROM THE OFFICE OF THE PREMIER

DATE: Tuesday, May 22, 2007

VICTORIA ANNOUNCES REVIEW OF GM CANOLA MORATORIUM

An independent panel will review Victoria’s moratorium on the commercial planting of genetically modified (GM) canola, Premier Steve Bracks, announced today.

Mr Bracks said the three-person panel, to be chaired by Professor Sir Gustav Nossal, was the next step in the Government’s careful and considered approach to the use of gene technology.

“The panel will consult key stakeholders and invite public submissions before preparing a report to Government later this year,” Mr Bracks said.

“It is vital that we consider carefully, what impact permitting the commercial release of GM canola would have on our producers and exporters.

“The Bracks Government has always taken a cautious approach towards commercialisation of GM canola and this review continues on that course.”

The Victorian moratorium on GM canola was introduced in March 2004 under the Control of Genetically Modified Crops Act, 2004. It is set to expire on February 29, 2008, unless a new moratorium order is introduced.

The Government will appoint the following people to an independent panel to review the moratorium:
· Professor Sir Gustav Nossal (Chair) – Victorian Chief Scientist, prominent immunologist and former Australian of the Year.
· Ms Merna Curnow – Member of the Southern Regional Panel for the Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC) and former Chair of the Victorian Farmers Federation Education Committee.
· Christine Forster – Former recent Chairperson of the Victorian Catchment Management Council, a farmer in western Victoria with extensive experience in regional development, rural adjustment issues and water quality and water resources management.

Under a national agreement, the Federal Office of the Gene Technology Regulator (OGTR) has responsibility for assessing the potential human health and environmental risks associated with genetically modified crops. States are responsible for assessing potential trade and market issues.

The Regulator approved the two canola varieties listed under the moratorium in 2003 after it found they posed no greater risk to human health or the environment than conventionally bred canola.

Mr Bracks said while GM canola had been approved at a federal level, the focus in Victoria had always been on what impact the use of GM technology would have on trading capacity and market access.

“The moratorium was put in place for four years in 2004 to allow regular assessment of market conditions,” he said.

“Victoria contributes a quarter of Australia’s food exports worth $5.75 billion, making up 23.7 per cent of Australia’s total agricultural production and it’s essential that we continue building on our strong record.”

Minister for Agriculture, Joe Helper, said the panel represented both expertise and experience across the fields of science, agriculture and rural and regional development issues.

“It brings together the crucial mix of views needed to provide Government with independent, expert, evidence-based advice,” Mr Helper said.

“This review is part of our ongoing research to support Victoria’s agriculture sector and any decision needs to be in the best interests of producers and exporters across the State.”

Sir Gus said he was honoured to be chosen to chair the panel.

“Although the Federal OGTR has approved GM canola for commercial release it is vital that we carefully consider market implications for Victorian producers and exporters,” he said.

“According to the terms of reference, the panel will assess the economic impact on Victoria of the moratorium and recommend whether the Government should allow the moratorium to expire or a new moratorium order be signed.”

Mr Helper said the panel’s report would outline its findings on what impact giving producers the option of planting GM canola would have on individual producers and Victoria’s reputation and success in international markets.

“The Government will use the recommendations to assist it in making a decision before the moratorium sunset date about whether or not to allow the commercialisation of GM canola,” he said.