The Network of Non-GM Farmers in Australia has produced an interesting analysis of the impact of GM canola (oilseed rape). Below are the details.

Incidentally, Julie Newman of the Network says the WTO decision, as well as exacerbating consumer rejection - nobody likes being told what they have to eat, will have zero impact on policy decisions in Australia.

"I am confident the moratoria in Australia are safe as the Federal government, not the States, is signatory to the WTO and Federal only has authority over health and the environment with an agreed madate to "provide a path to market". States have authority over economics and markets and that has been what has led to the moratoria in each canola growing state."
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GM CANOLA FACT SHEET - A PROFIT OR A LOSS?
http://www.non-gm-farmers.com/documents/factsheet.doc

GM canola is the least popular of the GM crops with only 18% global adoption rate and almost all of that is grown in Canada. While both Canadian and Australian canola yields experienced a gradual increase in yields as farm practises improved, statistics show that Canadian yields did not increase as GM canola was introduced. Australian and Canadian canola yields are very similar and there is no evidence of the 10-40% yield claimed.

Over 20% of Canadian farmers grow a non-GM variety called Clearfield and yet that same variety is available, but not popular in Australia. There is also now very clear evidence of a price penalty associated with GM or GM contaminated produce. Attempts to segregate in Canada failed and almost all canola is sold as GM. Canada lost their premium over Australian canola of $US32.68/tonne and are now faced with price penalties up to $US30/tonne and are experiencing large carryover stocks despite their major market being US which is not GM sensitive.

With little benefit, higher costs and lower commodity prices and an inability to segregate, there is a risk, not a benefit associated with GM canola.

* DOWNLOAD FACTSHEET (HERE) *
http://www.non-gm-farmers.com/documents/factsheet.doc
http://www.non-gm-farmers.com/

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