CropLife Australia is the peak body that represents the agricultural biotechnology industry in Australia.

The use of biotechnology in agriculture offers unique and exciting opportunities for our nation. We have some of the best biotechnology scientists in the world and they have the capacity to develop new crops that will help agriculture to continue its vital role in the Australian economy.

 

Australia has strong evidence-based national regulation of genetically modified (GM) crops. The Office of the Gene Technology Regulator assesses every GM crop that is grown in Australia for trial or commercial purposes. Food Standards Australia New Zealand assesses GM food ingredients, whether they are produced domestically or imported into Australia. This dual system of regulation ensures that all GM crops that are grown or consumed in Australia are safe for the environment and for humans.

 

In 1996 Australia began commercial cultivation of its first GM crop – GM insect resistant cotton. The insecticidal proteins in GM cotton are derived from a soil bacterium that has been used in agriculture for over 50 years and is approved for use in organic production systems.

 

According to the Cotton Cooperative Research Centre, insecticide applications in GM cotton have been reduced by 85 per cent since 1998. In 2007/08 over 95 per cent of the Australian cotton crop was GM.

 

Australia also produces some genetically modified carnations that have been modified to introduce a new flower colour.

 

In 2008 Australia began commercial cultivation of GM canola in NSW and Victoria. The GM canola has been modified to make it resistant to certain herbicides. Herbicide tolerance is vital in Australia’s canola growing regions where wild radish and other toxic weeds are major problems. Conventionally bred herbicide tolerant crops have been available for many years in Australia and make up the majority of the Australian canola crop. The introduction of different types of herbicide resistance allows canola farmers to rotate herbicides and minimise the development of herbicide resistance in weeds.

 

Future GM crop traits may include increased yield, drought resistance, salinity tolerance and enhanced nutrition. The use of biotechnology to control feral pests or remediate contaminated environments is also being explored.