Time for Australia to join the GM revolution

Continental transformation

One of the most important features of GM technology is its ability to change the character of organisms. GM can offset weaknesses, enhance strengths and even create new potential in plants and animals.

For a nation like Australia which is home to 5.9 per cent of the world's land territory, this could be a transformative power.

GM technology could be used to open up new areas to agriculture, lift yields in poor performing areas, counteract salinity, help grains fix their own nitrogen and kill pests and disease. Imagine the economic benefits of being able to grow what we want, where we want, at the most economically efficient price we can.

Australia risks missing out on this amazing opportunity by turning its back on GM.

The talent and brain drain

If Australia wishes to be amongst the most successful agricultural producer nations in the world, it must ensure it plays good host to the best available talent. The easiest way to achieve this is by creating a business and research environment which rewards hard work and encourages innovation.

Unfortunately, Australia's current GM posture does just the opposite. Unless Australia adjusts its approach to this revolutionary stream of science, it risks losing its best home grown entrepreneurs and researchers to nations where GM is being embraced.

Essential GM reforms

Due to Australia's overtly cautious position on GM, it now faces the very real possibility of becoming uncompetitive in the world's food, fibre, aquaculture and forest product markets.

If Australia is to secure a growing market share in global agricultural markets, unlock the continent's full potential and become a GM technology leader, fundamental reform must take place. There are seven key areas where action must be taken:

• reduce the cost of GM commercialisation;
• accelerate GM trial approval;
• remove state GM moratoriums;
• create a stable regulatory environment;
• lift segregation tolerance levels;
• repeal GM labelling requirements; and
• boost community confidence in GM products.