1.  Genetically modified grain

The NSW Gene Technology Crop Moratorium Act 2003 prohibits the deliberate cultivation of Genetically Modified (GM) crops consumed by humans until 2008. The Association supports the immediate removal of this moratorium for GM crops in NSW and further investigation into market implications, legal liability and receival of independent data in the meantime.

• Genetic Modification is the manipulation of the DNA structure of organisms to produce desirable characteristics.  The process has been undertaken through breeding for centuries but artificially only recently.  Bread, cheese, food flavourings, antibiotics, insulin and cancer treatments are all examples of genetically modified products. 
• GM technology aims to have either production or consumption benefits.  Production benefits may include yield increases or reductions in input costs such as pesticide, water use, tillage and fertiliser.  Consumption benefits may include increased nutritional value, health benefits or lifestyle improvements (eg longer shelf life)
• GM canola was approved as safe and suitable for commercial production in Australia in 2003 by the Office of Gene Technology Regulator (OGTR). However GM canola production is subject to state regulatory control and the NSW Gene Technology Crop Moratorium Act 2003 prohibits the deliberate cultivation of GM crops which are primarily grown as an ingredient of food for human consumption.  QLD and the NT are the only states in Australia to permit the commercial release/ growing of GM crops.
• At the 2007 Annual Conference, farmers in NSW supported the following motion;

“That the Association;

a) give priority to achieving removal of the GM crop moratorium via a high profile public stance and proactive participation in the review process in a coordinated campaign with the farmer organisations of other states;
b) lobby for futher work on GM takeall resistance to be continued in Australia; and
c)  lobby for further funding for research and development into conferring drought resistance in crops using GM techniques

• The current moratorium on the deliberate cultivation of Genetically Modified (GM) crops consumed by humans is set to expire in March 2008. Accordingly a decision regarding whether the moratorium should be removed or extended is likely to be made by the NSW Government in 2007.