GM wheat research must continue: SAFF

Date:07-20-2011

The South Australian Farmers Federation (SAFF) has joined with other agricultural groups to support the continuation of wheat research and to condemn Greenpeace for destroying CSIRO wheat trails in Canberra.

"Australian grain growers have invested in this research, through their levies to GRDC,” said Paul Kaden, Acting State President of SAFF.

"The loss of the material from this field trial will delay this project. It will result in the loss of material to bulk-up for future trials and also the loss of valuable data examining the performance of the plants.

"While South Australia does not yet allow the commercial growing of GM crops, it is important that research into GM crops be allowed to continue.

"With concerns about the world’s food supplies and food security, the possible long term benefits particularly from growing GM wheat could be enormous for both growers and consumers.

"This field trial of GM wheat was critical, as with the development of all new crop varieties, to determine if the increases observed in the glasshouse are also delivered in real paddock conditions,” said Mr Kaden.