Expert forum maps impediments to GM crops

Over 100 representatives from industry, researchers, farmers' organisations and government took part in the 'Meeting of the Minds' agbiotech forum in Canberra last week to accurately map out differences in positions relating to the introduction of new genetically modified (GM) crops.

The forum, organised by the Australian Government agency, Biotechnology Australia, discussed the introduction of two hypothetical, but potentially real, GM crops: rust-resistant wheat and lucerne that can grow in acid soils.

Craig Cormick, the manager of public awareness for biotechnology said these GM crops were chosen because "reality shows there is a lot of work happening with broad acre crops. There is also more work on the niche market."

The meeting examined five hurdles for the two crops: segregation, unintended presence, pollen drift, liability and market access, with speakers arguing for and against each topic.

"It is important to take a look at the whole chain, because previous companies concentrated on Agromap personalities of GM crops but didn't necessarily look further down the line to customer acceptance."

"You have to jump across all hurdles. So to get four out of five won't do it," said Cormick.

The main impediment to the introduction of new GM crops in Australia, as identified by the forum, will be market acceptance, with only 13 per cent of the participants believing end users would currently accept GM wheat. However, 45 per cent of the participants felt end users would accept GM lucerne, with the largest obstacle being unintended presence.

Participants at the forum represented most key agricultural players in Australia, including state farmers federations, the CSIRO, the Australian Wheat Board, the Network of Concerned Farmers, Australian Grain Harvesters and several state governments.

Cormick was happy with the response of those involved, and said that: "It stepped beyond the emotional experiences and got people together analysing and discussing the data and different points of view."

The conference had a ban on the media. "In the past the media has concentrated on extremist views. Issues were discussed without having groups trying to get the best sound bite, or just taking a snipe at each other rather than initiating quality debate," said Cormick.

A report on the forum will be available via the Biotechnology website at the end of August. Participants welcomed the holding of the forum and called for this type of dialogue to continue to assist the GM debate in Australia.