PRESSURE from key farm lobby groups surrounding the cultivation of genetically modified (GM) food crops saw the State repeal its GM Free Areas Bill 2003 last week.
State-based farmer lobby groups WAFarmers and the Pastoralists and Graziers Association (PGA) had launched a strong campaign to try and have the bill repealed before the State government went into caretaker mode for the up-coming State election, due in March.
The repeal will mean GM food crops can be legally grown without the need for exemptions.
WA farmers have had access to GM canola for several years but each year it required an exemption to the bill.
WAFarmers grains section president Duncan Young said the news created certainty for WA’s cropping sector.
“We are pleased this issue was resolved before government headed into caretaker mode,” he said.
“The passing of the bill not only gives certainty to farmers and researchers, but provides new opportunities in innovation in crops in the future.
“WAFarmers, PGA and (plant science peak body) CropLife Australia have worked collaboratively to progress the repeal of the moratorium in WA, and we see the repeal as a significant step forward for agriculture in this State.”
Earlier this month Mr Young expressed concern that the slow progress of the bill through the parliament was creating uncertainty for planning the 2017 season.
Pastoralists and Graziers Association Western Grain Growers Committee chairman Gary McGill thanked the Barnett government for repealing the 2003 bill.
He paid tribute to past committee chairmen Rick Wilson – now the federal Kalgoorlie MP – and John Snooke for their part in “a long and at times frustrating journey” to get the Gallop Labor government’s legislation in response to federal approval for GM crops, repealed.
“It has taken 13 years to give WA farmers unfettered access to a technology that reduces herbicide use, reduces weed burden and reduces farm machinery fuel use,” Mr McGill said.
Foodwatch spokeswoman Janet Grogan warned the issue was not yet over, questioning whether the bill should have been debated so quickly.
Ms Grogan questioned whether the repeal bill should have gone to debate with Agriculture and Food Minister Mark Lewis, who is the fourth minister in this role, not having participated once in the debate.
“We also question the rationale in removing the act given the economic, political and global trade uncertainties regarding GMO.”
