Bayer Crop Science: Supporting GM canola production in South Australia

Date:03-03-2021

South Australian broadacre growers now have more choices when it comes to running their cropping systems, thanks to the introduction of federally approved genetically modified (GM) canola crops in South Australia.

The change brings South Australia into line with all other mainland states of Australia and it’s predicted to see a strong number of growers opt-in for year one of production. The Crop Science division of Bayer will work closely with farmers throughout 2021 to ensure they have the information and tools required to safely and effectively grow and market their GM canola crop.

It is vital that growers can plant crops that best fit their farming systems and rotations, and this technology – underpinned by science and robust evidence from around the world – will enhance weed management helping to maximise yield potential. The Roundup Ready^® Technologies and Roundup Ready Herbicides are systems designed to work together. The combination provides farmers with the tools they need to effectively control weeds in canola fields.

As a business, Bayer will work closely with all of industry – from growers to advisors, grain handlers and marketers – to ensure coexistence requirements are understood and met, adhering to Australia’s robust and strict regulatory system.

Successful management of coexistence requirements will ensure farmers of all types, systems and backgrounds can continue to operate effectively alongside each other, growing the sector into the future. This depends on appropriate agronomic practices, communication, cooperation, flexibility and mutual respect for each production system among farmers.

The compulsory accreditation and quality assurance processes are fundamental to this success. This means adhering to:

• Industry approved 0.9% Adventitious Presence Thresholds that meet global and industry levels from paddock to paddock, season to season

• Well established industry protocols for planting, harvest, grain storage, transportation and receival segregation for all varieties of grain including GM and non-GM canola; not unlike, segregating feed barley from malt barley
  

Accreditation processes for South Australia are going smoothly and will continue to be offered online, with face to face options available for growers, wherever needed.

Bayer looks forward to working collaboratively with all of industry to ensure different farming systems can operate effectively alongside each other, as they do today.

If any grower would like to discuss how this technology can be safely and effectively introduced to their rotation, please speak to our South Australian team or your advisor.