The lifting of bans on genetically modified (GM) canola in NSW and Victoria will trigger a landslide of lawsuits from producers, Australia’s largest organic farming body says.
The warning follows concerns from the nation’s largest publicly-listed food company that the axing of the bans will damage Australian exports to Europe.
The NSW and Victorian governmentsended bans on GM canola crops, which are resistant to the widely used pesticide glyphosate.
NSW, Victoria joins Queensland
Up until now, Queensland has been the only state in Australia where farmers were allowed to grow GM canola.
Scientists and farmers’ groups applauded the move from the southern states, arguing GM canola was more environmentally sustainable, drought-resistant and better yielding than regular crops.
The Australian Greens and organic farming groups have slammed the decision, arguing canola is such a small grain, contamination via the wind, farming equipment and insects is inevitable.
Read full, original article: GM crops ‘may lead to lawsuits’
