R[0]="2098"; T[0]="Canadian farmer rejects Japanese GM claims"; A[0]="By ... Editor"; Dn[0]="20071024"; Dt[0]="Wednesday 24 October 2007"; Acats[0]="a12"; B1[0]=" A visiting Canadian farmer says Australian canola growers shouldn't be swayed by lobby groups opposed to genetically modified crops.... "; B2[0]=" "; B3[0]=" "; B4[0]=" "; B5[0]=" "; S1[0]=" A visiting Canadian farmer says Australian canola growers shouldn't be swayed by lobby groups opposed to genetically modified crops.
"; S2[0]=" A Japanese consumer delegation arrived in Australia last week to pressure state governments to extend their bans on GM canola.
But Stew "; S3[0]=" Gilroy, president of the Canadian Canola Council, says if consumers want non-GM, they'll have to offer premium prices.
'I think what the "; S4[0]=" consumer's saying is, I want non-GM product and I don't want to pay for it, but we service all the international markets that you do, "; S5[0]=" you have a non-GM product, we have a GM product and it's usually co-mingled and it's a very small percentage that is gone into the "; S6[0]=" non-GM,' he says.
'I think if those consumers want to pay for that product they certainly should have the right and I "; S7[0]=" know the farming community will respond'... "; R[1]="2097"; T[1]="WA considers GM cotton for the Ord"; A[1]="By ... Editor"; Dn[1]="20071024"; Dt[1]="Wednesday 24 October 2007"; Acats[1]="a12a67"; B1[1]=" The Western Australian government says it will consider an exemption to its genetically modified crop ban, to allow GM cotton to be "; B2[1]="grown in the Ord Valley... "; B3[1]=" "; B4[1]=" "; B5[1]=" "; S1[1]=" The Western Australian government says it will consider an exemption to its genetically modified crop ban, to allow GM cotton to be "; S2[1]=" grown in the Ord Valley.
The move comes after positive public feedback to a discussion paper on the crop.
"; S3[1]=" Agriculture Minister, Kim Chance, says the government is still to receive a response from the traditional owners of the Kimberley region, but so far support "; S4[1]=" has been positive.
'But it also indicated that it's not a crop that people have deep concerns about,' he says.
"; S5[1]=" 'Clearly within the conservation lobby there is a long standing resistance and I need to acknowledge that, but generally speaking I think it's a "; S6[1]=" crop that we've shown can be adapted to the valley as a broad scale industrial crop, again provided that it is adopted on a sufficient "; S7[1]=" scale'... "; R[2]="2089"; T[2]="GE threatens canola exports"; A[2]="By ... Editor"; Dn[2]="20071024"; Dt[2]="Wednesday 24 October 2007"; Acats[2]="a12a82"; B1[2]=" South Australia's canola exports to Japan will be under threat if the State Government does not extend a moratorium on commercial genetically-engineered "; B2[2]="crops, the Japanese have warned... "; B3[2]=" "; B4[2]=" "; B5[2]=" "; S1[2]=" South Australia's canola exports to Japan will be under threat if the State Government does not extend a moratorium on commercial genetically-engineered "; S2[2]=" crops, the Japanese have warned.
Three representatives from Japan's No! GMO campaign, which represents 155 consumer organisations and food producers, were in "; S3[2]=" Adelaide yesterday to plead with the State Government to extend the ban.
The 300,000 tonnes of canola Japan obtains from Australia each "; S4[2]=" year amounts to half the national export of the crop.
Canola is one of the major crops grown in South Australia.
"; S5[2]=" Most is exported.
Japan is one of five key markets.
South Australian law prevents genetically-engineered crops from "; S6[2]=" being grown commercially.
This is under review.
Delegation spokeswoman Ryoko Shimizu said Japanese food producers had obtained canola from "; S7[2]=" Canada but turned to Australia when Canadian governments allowed genetically-engineered crops to be grown.
'We Japanese consumers are now standing at a "; S8[2]=" critical crossroads in assuring our food safety,' she said.
'Australia is the only country that can supply GE-free canola to food-importing countries "; S9[2]=" like Japan.
If the moratoria are lifted, it would damage the reputation of Australian crops in Japan and Japanese consumers would stop "; S10[2]=" buying Australian crops.' She said the relationships between Australian farmers and Japanese consumers 'would collapse' if genetically-engineered crops were allowed.
Delegates yesterday "; S11[2]=" presented SA Legislative Assembly speaker Jack Snelling with a petition signed by organisations representing 2.9 million Japanese consumers.
Greenpeace GE campaigner Louise "; S12[2]=" Sales said state governments should continue to protect the environment and industries by extending the bans... "; R[3]="2069"; T[3]="Farmers want State Govts to end GM moratoria"; A[3]="By ... Editor"; Dn[3]="20070823"; Dt[3]="Thursday 23 August 2007"; Acats[3]="a12"; B1[3]=" State Governments must seize the opportunities gene technology poses for Australia's agricultural production base - both in terms of better and more "; B2[3]="drought-resistant crops, and our long-term economic efficiency and competitiveness on the world stage... "; B3[3]=" "; B4[3]=" "; B5[3]=" "; S1[3]=" StateGovernments must seize the opportunities gene technology poses for Australia's agricultural production base - both in terms of better and more drought-resistant "; S2[3]=" crops, and our long-term economic efficiency and competitiveness on the world stage.
The National Farmers' Federation (NFF) says Australian farmers have been "; S3[3]=" 'left behind' by an international marketplace that has already embraced GM as a safe and viable science.
Australian farmers are now being "; S4[3]=" 'held back' from cutting-edge farm techniques, based on out-dated hysteria.
'What was once a prudent 'wait and see' policy, is no longer "; S5[3]=" viable,' NFF President David Crombie said.
'The science is in...
the world has moved on from the traditional and "; S6[3]=" overtly emotional arguments against GM crops.
'Australia now must play catch up - and do so quickly - to ensure we win "; S7[3]=" a much greater share of world markets, opportunities which until the GM moratoria are scrapped, will continue to pass us by.
'Farmers "; S8[3]=" must have the opportunity to adopt the method of production best suited to their customers' needs - be that GM, conventional, organic or any combination "; S9[3]=" of these methods… points of differentiation they can pursue to meet marketplace desires.
'It is the marketplace - both domestic and international "; S10[3]=" - that is demanding the introduction of GM crops.
The 'status quo' will not do.
State and Territory Governments "; S11[3]=" must not arbitrarily deny farmers pursuing sensible, scientifically-proven and time-tested methods of production.
'Australian farmers are well-placed to responsibly harness the enormous "; S12[3]=" opportunities gene technology offers… reducing use of pesticides and herbicides, maximising water efficiency, resilience in adverse growing conditions and boosting production yields.' While pushing for "; S13[3]=" the State moratoria to be lifted, the NFF says the production decisions of one farmer should not unreasonably impinge on the ability of other farmers "; S14[3]=" in meeting the requirements and expectations of the market they chose to meet.
'As with any new technology, it is vital that "; S15[3]=" producers identify and thoroughly assess potential risks, and implement strategies to appropriately manage them,' Mr Crombie added.
'The NFF is satisfied appropriate "; S16[3]=" Australian safeguards exist to ensure food safety and the sustained integrity of organic and conventional food production.
'In fact, Australia's Gene Technology "; S17[3]=" Act 2000 establishes standards regarded as the world's most stringent for assessing GM plants for human and environmental safety.
'Australia's rigorous gene "; S18[3]=" technology regulatory system, and the careful process required to meet commercialisation, means that, with the exception of cotton and canola, new GM plant varieties are "; S19[3]=" unlikely to be ready for another seven years -highlighting just how far behind Australian farmers are in the world market.
'The moratoria "; S20[3]=" had their day.
Uptake of gene technology will result in substantial benefits for Australian farmers, the environment, consumers and Australia's place in "; S21[3]=" the international economy.' For the NFF's submission to State Government GM Moratorium Review Panels, see: Submissions to Government... "; R[4]="2062"; T[4]="Labor accuses McGauran of interfering in GM decision"; A[4]="By ... Editor"; Dn[4]="20070823"; Dt[4]="Thursday 23 August 2007"; Acats[4]="a12"; B1[4]=" Labor has accused the Federal Agriculture Minister Peter McGauran of trying to stir up a state and commonwealth stoush on genetically modified "; B2[4]="crops... "; B3[4]=" "; B4[4]=" "; B5[4]=" "; S1[4]=" Labor has accused the Federal Agriculture Minister Peter McGauran of trying to stir up a state and commonwealth stoush on genetically modified "; S2[4]=" crops.
Mr McGauran has today released a second Government agency report promoting GM canola.
He says the Government has "; S3[4]=" a right to advocate on behalf of farmers, and Labor is just sitting on the fence.
But Opposition Primary Industries spokesman Kerry "; S4[4]=" O'Brien says the Minister should stay out of state decisions.
'The reality is that the states control their management and picking a "; S5[4]=" fight with the states on an issue where they have fairly clear constitutional responsibility is simply picking a fight for the sake of picking a "; S6[4]=" fight,' he said.
Submissions for reviews into bans on GM crops in Victoria and South Australian close today... "; R[5]="2060"; T[5]="GM cotton paper released for public comment"; A[5]="By ... Editor"; Dn[5]="20070823"; Dt[5]="Thursday 23 August 2007"; Acats[5]="a12a15"; B1[5]=" Agriculture and Food Minister Kim Chance today released a report on the potential for Genetically Modified (GM) Cotton in the Ord River "; B2[5]="Irrigation Area for public comment... "; B3[5]=" "; B4[5]=" "; B5[5]=" "; S1[5]=" Agriculture and Food Minister Kim Chance today released a report on the potential for Genetically Modified (GM) Cotton in the Ord River "; S2[5]=" Irrigation Area for public comment.
The Ministerial GM Industry Reference Group prepared the report, and feedback is sought from stakeholders on the "; S3[5]=" future production of GM cotton in the Ord River Irrigation Area (ORIA).
The reference group was established in 2005 to identify logistical, "; S4[5]=" agronomic, marketing and other issues relevant to the use of biotechnology in agricultural crops in Western Australia.
The GM Cotton in the "; S5[5]=" Ord River Irrigation Area is the first of a number of discussion papers being prepared by the Reference Group for comment by the public.
"; S6[5]=" Mr Chance said the paper provided an overview of current and potential cotton production in Australia as well as the status of global "; S7[5]=" production of GM cotton, including potential markets and prices.
'An analysis has also been completed on the potential opportunities for growing GM "; S8[5]=" cotton in the Ord including water and chemical requirements, social impact and economic viability,' Mr Chance said.
'The discussion paper also outlines "; S9[5]=" on-farm management issues and environmental and health considerations.' GM cotton has been growing in trial plots in the ORIA for more than 10 years without "; S10[5]=" any significant problems and yields have been encouraging.
Currently there is a moratorium on the commercial production of GM crops in WA "; S11[5]=" and the State Government is seeking feedback from the community on allowing GM cotton in the ORIA.
The public comment period will "; S12[5]=" be open for four weeks from today until 31 August 2007.
Copies of the report are available from the Department of Agriculture "; S13[5]=" and Food by contacting Richard Williams via email or on (08) 9368 3675 or at GM Cotton in the Ord River Irrigation Area - Discussion "; S14[5]=" Paper.
Submissions should also be forwarded to Richard Williams, Department of Agriculture and Food, Locked Bag 4 Bentley Mail Centre WA 6983... "; R[6]="2054"; T[6]="Green light for GM farming"; A[6]="By ... Editor"; Dn[6]="20070823"; Dt[6]="Thursday 23 August 2007"; Acats[6]="a12"; B1[6]=" Australian farmers should be allowed to plant genetically modified crops as soon as possible so they can compete with the rest of "; B2[6]="the world, according to a confidential Federal Government report... "; B3[6]=" "; B4[6]=" "; B5[6]=" "; S1[6]=" Australian farmers should be allowed to plant genetically modified crops as soon as possible so they can compete with the rest of "; S2[6]=" the world, according to a confidential Federal Government report.
Genetically modified crops pose no danger to human health or the environment and "; S3[6]=" should be given the green light, the report said.
Federal Agriculture Minister Peter McGauran, who is leading the push to have GM "; S4[6]=" crops widely introduced across Australia, is backing the report.
But the findings have dismayed experts and environmentalists who say GM foods - "; S5[6]=" dubbed Frankenfoods by the media - could be detrimental to human health and to the environment.
Planting GM food crops is banned "; S6[6]=" in all states except Queensland.
The ban is due to expire in Victoria and NSW early next year, but is currently under "; S7[6]=" review.
With the strong backing of farm groups and the CSIRO, both Victoria and NSW are widely expected to lift the ban.
"; S8[6]=" The current Victorian Government ban relates specifically to canola, which is the only crop not to have received approval for planting by "; S9[6]=" the Office of the Gene Technology Regulator.
Lifting the ban on GM canola is considered the first step in bringing other crop "; S10[6]=" biotechnologies to the market, such as drought-resistant wheat, new varieties of sugar, and nutrition-enhanced fruit and vegetables.
'GM Canola offers some solutions "; S11[6]=" to the current problems conventional canola faces in Australia and is likely to make an important contribution to farming systems,' the Federal Government report states.
"; S12[6]=" The report also found that GM crops had benefits for farming enterprises beyond the direct returns of the particular crop planted.
"; S13[6]=" Other crops also benefited from the weed control and disease management provided by GM technology.
But environment and public health "; S14[6]=" groups expressed grave concerns, saying the risks were not yet understood.
Institute of Health and Environmental Research director Judy Carman, an epidemiologist "; S15[6]=" and senior lecturer at the University of Adelaide, said a number of studies had shown that rats fed a diet of genetically modified canola had "; S16[6]=" recorded increases in their liver weights of about 16 per cent.
'These rats were getting swollen livers and yet no more research "; S17[6]=" into why that was happening has ever been done,' Dr Carman said.
'We should be demanding further testing, because when you look "; S18[6]=" at the safety aspects we just don't know what the potential impacts are.' Australia's 2007 Beef Export Forecast Raised 3.3% (Update2) By Madelene Pearson Aug.
"; S19[6]=" 6 (Bloomberg) -- Beef exports from Australia, the world's second-largest shipper of the meat, may be 3.3 percent higher than forecast because "; S20[6]=" of the slower-than-expected re- entry of U.S.
supply into Asian markets, an industry group said.
Australia may ship 940,000 "; S21[6]=" metric tons of beef overseas this year, up from a February forecast of 910,000 tons, Meat & Livestock Australia said today in a report.
"; S22[6]=" That's 1.5 percent lower than last year's record.
``The upwards revision has been prompted by higher supplies and further delays "; S23[6]=" in the U.S.
return to North Asian markets,'' the Sydney-based trade group wrote in the report.
Exports in the "; S24[6]=" first half of the year were 4.5 percent higher, it said.
Australian beef sales to Japan and Korea rose to a record "; S25[6]=" in 2006 as the nation benefited from bans on U.S.
meat imposed because of mad cow disease concern.
They "; S26[6]=" have been lifted in these markets though the re-entry of U.S.
beef has been slowed by strict import controls.
"; S27[6]=" Benchmark cattle prices in Australia fell 1 percent to A$3.3925 ($2.90) in the week ending Aug.
3 on the Eastern Young Cattle "; S28[6]=" Market Indicator, their second weekly drop.
Prices slide as a higher currency and lower quality cattle damped demand.
The "; S29[6]=" slower-than-expected re-entry of U.S.
beef into Japan and Korea hasn't stopped prices from falling, the report said.
Gains in "; S30[6]=" the Australian dollar, increased supply and ``sluggish'' demand for beef in Korea and the U.S.
have weighed on prices, Meat & Livestock "; R[7]="2020"; T[7]="Ecos - Debating the impact of GM crops 10 years on"; A[7]="By ... Editor"; Dn[7]="20070331"; Dt[7]="Saturday 31 March 2007"; Acats[7]="a12"; B1[7]=" Is the expansion of genetically modified (GM) crops still seen as risky or will it in fact help with the doubling of "; B2[7]="the food supply required as Earth's population hits nine billion within the next 40 years?.. "; B3[7]=" "; B4[7]=" "; B5[7]=" "; S1[7]=" Is the expansion of genetically modified (GM) crops still seen as risky or will it in fact help with the doubling of "; S2[7]=" the food supply required as Earth's population hits nine billion within the next 40 years? The latest Ecos magazine presents the views of experts from "; S3[7]=" both sides of the debate on GM technology's role.
Ten years after the first GM crops were planted, evidence is mounting that "; S4[7]=" the technology can increase crop yields with apparently little environmental impact, particularly in developing countries.
In India, for example, GM cotton has "; S5[7]=" increased yields by around 150 per cent, trebled small farmers' profits, and reduced pesticide volumes by 80 per cent.
In Australia, GM "; S6[7]=" cotton has also significantly decreased pesticide use while raising farmers' yields.
Anti-GM groups, however, argue that in many developing countries, GM crops "; S7[7]=" are now grown mainly for export by big farmers, not for local consumption, and that there are big effects of this monoculture cropping.
"; S8[7]=" Most Australian states, including Victoria and New South Wales, have imposed moratoria on GM crops until 2008.
But according to a "; S9[7]=" 2005 ABARE report, ongoing moratoria could result in Australia losing billions of dollars in foregone profits over the next decade, particularly as global warming impacts "; S10[7]=" crop environments.
University of Melbourne agronomist Dr Rob Norton claims that the vigorous seedling growth of hybrid GM canolas helps them compete "; S11[7]=" against weeds and shortens the interval to harvest, reducing exposure to heat at the end of the growing season, and meaning less irrigation is required.
"; S12[7]=" This trait would allow canola plantings to be expanded into drier areas, potentially boosting annual Australian production of canola by 295, 000 "; S13[7]=" tonnes annually... "; R[8]="2001"; T[8]="Scare over GM corn imports"; A[8]="By ... Editor"; Dn[8]="20070331"; Dt[8]="Saturday 31 March 2007"; Acats[8]="a12"; B1[8]=" Fears that a brand of genetically modified corn found in a wide range of imported foods may be harmful to humans is "; B2[8]="being investigated by Australian food authorities... "; B3[8]=" "; B4[8]=" "; B5[8]=" "; S1[8]=" Fears that a brand of genetically modified corn found in a wide range of imported foods may be harmful to humans is "; S2[8]=" being investigated by Australian food authorities.
But Greenpeace, which has lobbied long and hard on the issue of GM foods, says Food "; S3[8]=" Standards Australia New Zealand should never have approved Monsanto's MON863 YieldGard Rootworm maize in the first place, and has accused the authority of being complicit "; S4[8]=" in a cover-up of data.
Although no genetically modified corn is grown here, Monsanto Australia has confirmed that a range of imported "; S5[8]=" goods - including corn chips, tacos and products made with corn meal and corn syrup - could contain traces due to the popularity of its "; S6[8]=" GM corn among growers in the United States and Canada since its introduction in 2003.
Food regulators here and in New Zealand "; S7[8]=" approved the product for import and food use the following year.
The company has insisted a comprehensive safety assessment of food derived "; S8[8]=" from the corn by the food standards authority found no potential public health and safety risks.
About 18 months ago, however, Monsanto "; S9[8]=" was ordered by a German court to hand over its original data for independent analysis.
That analysis, conducted by a team of "; S10[8]=" French researchers and scientists from the universities of Caen and Rouen, found that rats suffered significant reductions in growth and adverse effects on liver and "; S11[8]=" kidney function after 90 days of being fed Monsanto's genetically modified corn.
'With the present data it cannot be concluded that GM "; S12[8]=" corn MON863 is a safe product,' the researchers said.
Yesterday the food standards authority said it had undertaken two separate analyses of "; S13[8]=" Monsanto's data and no adverse effects from the consumption of the corn had been detected.
However, it said it would now review "; S14[8]=" the French analysis and consider any potential impact this might have on safety.
In a statement, Greenpeace said the corn should never "; S15[8]=" have been approved, because it was based on Monsanto's own study which had not been subject to rigorous review... "; R[9]="1998"; T[9]="GM mosquito to fight malaria"; A[9]="By ... Editor"; Dn[9]="20070331"; Dt[9]="Saturday 31 March 2007"; Acats[9]="a09a12"; B1[9]=" The fight against malaria could be transformed by releasing into disease-ridden areas genetically modified mosquitoes that cannot transmit the infection.... "; B2[9]=" "; B3[9]=" "; B4[9]=" "; B5[9]=" "; S1[9]=" The fight against malaria could be transformed by releasing into disease-ridden areas genetically modified mosquitoes that cannot transmit the infection.
"; S2[9]=" Scientists in the US have engineered a species of mosquito that is resistant to the malaria infection.
Its ability to block "; S3[9]=" the infection suggests it could dominate mosquito populations if released into the wild.
The findings offer the strongest suggestion yet that engineering "; S4[9]=" mosquitoes could help control a disease that takes up to 2.7million lives each year, mainly in Africa.
Malaria infects between 300million and "; S5[9]=" 500million people each year.
Only HIV/AIDS causes more deaths from infectious disease.
Large numbers of GM mosquitoes would be "; S6[9]=" released in malaria-infested areas, where they would breed with wild ones.
Over several generations, resistance should spread through the mosquito population, so "; S7[9]=" that fewer insects carry malaria.
Critics have argued that it is difficult to be certain of the effects of introducing new genes.
"; S8[9]=" Even the scientists involved accept further research is needed.
The first GM mosquitoes were created seven years ago, but "; S9[9]=" they were less fit than their wild counterparts.
They would quickly die out, and have no effect on malaria transmission... "; R[10]="1901"; T[10]="Adoption of GM grains increasing overseas"; A[10]="By ... Editor"; Dn[10]="20070216"; Dt[10]="Friday 16 February 2007"; Acats[10]="a12"; B1[10]=" At the Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC) Advisor Update in Adelaide recently, Peter Carr of Carr Consulting and Services discussed the "; B2[10]="widespread adoption of GM technology and GM crops across the world in contrast with the situation in Australia... "; B3[10]=" "; B4[10]=" "; B5[10]=" "; S1[10]=" At the Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC) Advisor Update in Adelaide recently, Peter Carr of Carr Consulting and Services discussed the "; S2[10]=" widespread adoption of GM technology and GM crops across the world in contrast with the situation in Australia.
About 100 million hectares "; S3[10]=" around the world (including some 40 million hectares in developing countries) have been planted to GM crops, mostly canola, soy, cotton and corn.
"; S4[10]=" Even countries of the European Union - traditionally a market resistant to GM - are beginning to sow GM crops.
By "; S5[10]=" contrast, only 200,000 hectares are under GM crops in Australia, and for the most part these are cotton crops.
Mr Carr talked "; S6[10]=" about the barriers to widespread adoption of GM crops in Australia, and whether consumer fears about the technology are justified... "; R[11]="1753"; T[11]="Alert over secret GM seed in imports"; A[11]="By ... Editor"; Dn[11]="20061206"; Dt[11]="Wednesday 6 December 2006"; Acats[11]="a08a12"; B1[11]=" Genetically engineered Canadian canola is being imported into Australia but the chances are no one will tell you if it ends up "; B2[11]="in your margarine or mayonnaise... "; B3[11]=" "; B4[11]=" "; B5[11]=" "; S1[11]=" Genetically engineered Canadian canola is being imported into Australia but the chances are no one will tell you if it ends up "; S2[11]=" in your margarine or mayonnaise.
The multinational grain trader Cargill said it had imported canola seed because of a sharp drop in "; S3[11]=" Australian canola production caused by the drought.
Greenpeace has accused Cargill of undercutting Australian farmers with cheap imports that consumers do not "; S4[11]=" want.
'Polls consistently show that Australian consumers don't want to eat GE food, yet food producers are trying to sneak GE canola "; S5[11]=" into the food chain,' said a Greenpeace campaigner, Louise Sales.
'The canola will make its way, unwanted and unlabelled, into products such "; S6[11]=" as margarine and canola oil, and into animal feed used for the poultry and dairy industries.' Genetically engineered foods have ingredients that have been modified "; S7[11]=" by gene technology.
Cotton is the sole genetically engineered crop grown in Australia, and state governments have banned commercial production of genetically "; S8[11]=" modified canola until 2008.
However, there is nothing preventing food producers using oil extracted from the Canadian seed.
Nor "; S9[11]=" is there any legal requirement for them to inform customers because the genetically engineered material attaches itself to the meal in the seed and not "; S10[11]=" to the oil, according to Foods Standards Australia New Zealand.
However, the meal could be fed to animals raised for human consumption.
"; S11[11]=" Four of Australia's main users of canola oil, Goodman Fielder, Unilever, Woolworths and McDonald's, said they had not bought any of the "; S12[11]=" shipment.
Coles Myer declined to comment.
Goodman Fielder and Unilever said they had not bought any of the Canadian "; S13[11]=" canola because they believed Australian consumers would reject it.
However, Unilever said that if the drought continued, next year's canola crop would "; S14[11]=" also be much smaller than usual, and 'everybody who uses canola oil will be under pressure' to buy genetically modified seed.
Cargill "; S15[11]=" would not say who had bought the seed.
It rejected Greenpeace's claim there was enough Australian-grown canola to supply the domestic market.
"; S16[11]=" A Cargill spokesman, Robert Green, said the genetically modified seed was safe to eat, evidenced by its decade-long use in North America.
"; S17[11]=" However, the nutritionist Dr Rosemary Stanton said there was a risk that the canola oil could contain some protein, and there was "; S18[11]=" no scientific evidence that genetically engineered food was safe to eat.
'No one has been monitoring if there is a problem [with "; S19[11]=" GE foods] … we have no way of knowing,' she said... "; R[12]="1660"; T[12]="Watchdog calls for accurate labelling of GM imports"; A[12]="By ... Editor"; Dn[12]="20061123"; Dt[12]="Thursday 23 November 2006"; Acats[12]="a12"; B1[12]=" Australia's consumer watchdog has called for any genetically modified (GM) imports to be labelled accurately.... "; B2[12]=" "; B3[12]=" "; B4[12]=" "; B5[12]=" "; S1[12]=" Australia's consumer watchdog has called for any genetically modified (GM) imports to be labelled accurately.
Choice, formerly known as "; S2[12]=" the Australian Consumers Association, has raised the concern amid speculation that a major grain handler is expecting a consignment of GM canola from Canada within "; S3[12]=" the next month.
Domestic canola supplies are tight this season due to the drought.
Choice spokeswoman Claire Hughes says "; S4[12]=" consumers will not know they are eating GM canola oil.
'If we do start to see a large amount of genetically modified "; S5[12]=" canola coming into Australia, if it's going to be processed and used as oil, consumers wouldn't necessarily know if a product they're purchasing has been "; S6[12]=" genetically modified or does contain genetically modified canola oil,' she said.
'Because our GM labelling laws don't require a product that has "; S7[12]=" been highly refined, those products don't have to be labelled and canola oil is a good example of that.' Federal Minister for Agriculture Peter McGauran "; S8[12]=" says he is aware of the imports, which are intended for use in oil for human consumption and meal for stockfeed.
He "; S9[12]=" says the consignment has been independently sampled and tested before loading to confirm that only GM lines approved by the Office of the Gene Technology "; S10[12]=" Regulator are allowed in.
The Minister says GM canola has been assessed as meeting Australia's strict quarantine standards and the canola will "; S11[12]=" be checked on arrival, to ensure there are no contaminants or weedseeds present... "; R[13]="1393"; T[13]="SA defends planned GM crop ban extension"; A[13]="By ... Editor"; Dn[13]="20060918"; Dt[13]="Monday 18 September 2006"; Acats[13]="a12"; B1[13]=" The South Australian Government has defended its plan to extend a moratorium on growing genetically modified (GM) crops, saying it has benefits "; B2[13]="in the global market... "; B3[13]=" "; B4[13]=" "; B5[13]=" "; S1[13]=" The South Australian Government has defended its plan to extend a moratorium on growing genetically modified (GM) crops, saying it has benefits "; S2[13]=" in the global market.
A ban is in place until 2007, but the Government wants to extend it by a year to "; S3[13]=" bring the state in line with the rest of the country.
The former head of the South Australian Farmer's Federation, John Lush, "; S4[13]=" has called for the ban to be overturned.
He says drought-resistant GM crops could save farmers millions of dollars.
"; S5[13]=" 'We have the technology that we could increase the potential of that crop by about three-fold on a year like this and it would be "; S6[13]=" a viable crop and we're not using that technology,' he said.
Agriculture Minister Rory McEwen says being GM-free opens up markets.
"; S7[13]=" 'We must not put markets at risk and that is very important, that Australia continue to build a clean green image,' he said.
"; S8[13]=" 'It might be the differentiation we need in a global market place, that gives us the extra returns.
"; S9[13]=" 'There actually might be significant market benefits by being the odd one out.' Centre for Plant Functional Genomics plant geneticist Mark Tester says the ban "; S10[13]=" makes no sense.
'The Canadian farmers don't have any [problems] selling their GM crops,' he said.
'The US farmers "; S11[13]=" have no problems exporting their GM crops and I think the Australian farmer is seeing that.
'If there are markets out "; S12[13]=" there to purchase GM crops ...
we will be able to sell GM crops.
There's a clear benefit.'.. "; R[14]="1151"; T[14]="Farm group rethinks GM crops ban support"; A[14]="By ... Editor"; Dn[14]="20060720"; Dt[14]="Thursday 20 July 2006"; Acats[14]="a04a12"; B1[14]=" The New South Wales Farmers Association has withdrawn its support for a ban on genetically modified (GM) crops.... "; B2[14]=" "; B3[14]=" "; B4[14]=" "; B5[14]=" "; S1[14]=" The New South Wales Farmers Association has withdrawn its support for a ban on genetically modified (GM) crops.
The "; S2[14]=" association has passed a motion asking for the immediate lifting of the state's moratorium on GM crops.
Grain producer Michael Matthews says "; S3[14]=" it is a victory for progressive farmers.
'This is a technology that we have to have to be able to compete on "; S4[14]=" the world stage.
Without this technology we're going to be sinking further and further behind,' he said.
'This technology "; S5[14]=" is all about producing greener crops, cleaner crops, healthier crops, crops grown with 70 per cent less herbicide and are more friendly to our environment.
"; S6[14]=" 'If we're not producing these crops, we're not going to be winning our spot on the supermarket shelves.'.. "; R[15]="651"; T[15]="Earthworm gene makes pork healthier"; A[15]="By ... Editor"; Dn[15]="20060329"; Dt[15]="Wednesday 29 March 2006"; Acats[15]="a12a27a93"; B1[15]=" If A new kind of pork makes it to the dinner table, healthy eaters worried about fat and heart disease might finally "; B2[15]="be free to, well, pig out... "; B3[15]=" "; B4[15]=" "; B5[15]=" "; S1[15]=" If A new kind of pork makes it to the dinner table, healthy eaters worried about fat and heart disease might finally "; S2[15]=" be free to, well, pig out.
Scientists using genetic engineering techniques have produced pigs rich in omega-3 fatty acids - a kind "; S3[15]=" of healthy fat abundant in fish but not naturally found in meat.
Omega-3 fatty acids are believed to offer some protection against "; S4[15]=" heart attacks.
But 'some people are not going to eat fish no matter what', said Penny Kris-Etherton, a professor of nutrition at "; S5[15]=" Pennsylvania State University who was not involved in the research.
'This is a way people who don't like fish can benefit.' There "; S6[15]=" is one little question looming over the potential feast of greasy bacon, succulent chorizo and juicy Chinese pork stew.
Because the research "; S7[15]=" is in its early stages, no one has yet sampled the pigs to see if they still taste like pork.
Harvard University's "; S8[15]=" Jing Kang, one of the scientists involved in the experiment, said the levels of omega-3 fatty acids in the pigs were not high enough to "; S9[15]=" ruin the flavour.
The team of scientists from Harvard, the University of Missouri and the University of Pittsburgh used a gene from "; S10[15]=" an earthworm, which naturally produces omega-3 fatty acids, to genetically modify their pigs... "; R[16]="649"; T[16]="GM: a case of good crop, bad crop"; A[16]="By ... Editor"; Dn[16]="20060329"; Dt[16]="Wednesday 29 March 2006"; Acats[16]="a12"; B1[16]=" News that Australia's canola crop had been contaminated with genetically modified material was the last thing Geoff Black wanted to hear.... "; B2[16]=" "; B3[16]=" "; B4[16]=" "; B5[16]=" "; S1[16]=" News that Australia's canola crop had been contaminated with genetically modified material was the last thing Geoff Black wanted to hear.
"; S2[16]=" The manager of a small NSW oilseed crusher at Cootamundra knew his company's success rested on its reputation as a producer of cold-pressed "; S3[16]=" oils free of any chemical or GM material.
The contamination was first detected in seeds held by the Victorian Department of Primary "; S4[16]=" Industries at Horsham, in the state's west, last July.
Initial investigations linked the contamination to seed research being done by the Tasmanian "; S5[16]=" Government.
The detection raised fears the contamination could spread to other states, opening a legal minefield for farmers who wanted to market "; S6[16]=" non-GM canola and threatening exports worth hundreds of millions of dollars.
GM canola is not grown commercially in Australia and the contamination "; S7[16]=" is not believed to have come from small GM canola research trials being run by private companies.
It was eventually established that "; S8[16]=" the contamination was only between 0.1 per cent and 0.4 per cent of the crop, but the Federal Government is still trying to find out "; S9[16]=" exactly how it happened.
However, it was 'a massive wake-up call for the industry', says Black.
'We knew there "; S10[16]=" was no GM canola grown in Australia so how did it get there? We can no longer claim with confidence that the product we produce "; S11[16]=" is GM-free although it does meet the Australian regulation,' he says, adding that Cootamundra Oilseeds has changed the GM description on its products.
"; S12[16]=" Despite concern in rural circles, the canola contamination received little media coverage.
In recent years, the debate about the costs and "; S13[16]=" benefits of the pioneering science that aims to alter the genetic material of plants and animals has fallen off the public radar.
"; S14[16]=" With the exception of the cotton industry, which has embraced genetic modification, the cautious attitude of state governments has stalled the technology's commercialisation, and there "; S15[16]=" has been little news from the Federal Government about major policy changes or research initiatives.
But that could soon change.
"; S16[16]=" Australia's new Chief Scientist and longest-serving chief of the CSIRO Plant Industry division, Dr Jim Peacock, is an enthusiastic GM supporter.
"; S17[16]=" He told the Herald earlier this month that GM technology could play a significant role in preventive medicine.
He says the various "; S18[16]=" moratoriums on GM canola are unjustified.
Changes are also taking place behind the scenes... "; R[17]="585"; T[17]="EU Approves Pioneer Hi-Bred International's Biotech Maize for Food"; A[17]="By ... Editor"; Dn[17]="20060306"; Dt[17]="Monday 6 March 2006"; Acats[17]="a12a74"; B1[17]=" Decision Paves Way for Imports of 1507 Maize Into the European Union... "; B2[17]=" "; B3[17]=" "; B4[17]=" "; B5[17]=" "; S1[17]=" Decision Paves Way for Imports of 1507 Maize Into the European Union.
The EU Commission today announced that it "; S2[17]=" has approved DuPont subsidiary Pioneer Hi-Bred International's biotech maize known as 1507, for all food uses.
This decision, along with the November "; S3[17]=" 2005 approval of 1507 maize for import and animal feed use, paves the way for grain and processed products with the 1507 trait to be "; S4[17]=" imported in all 25 EU countries.
1507 maize is resistant to insects that damage maize crops around the world.
"; S5[17]=" 'Today's decision is great news for farmers and for Pioneer,' said Dean Oestreich, president, Pioneer.
'This approval supports expanded choices for farmers "; S6[17]=" and recognizes the safety and value of Pioneer biotech products worldwide.' This authorization follows the positive safety evaluation of 1507 maize by the European "; S7[17]=" Food Safety Authority.
Today's decision is expected to be published in the Official Journal of the European Communities in the coming days.
"; S8[17]=" Planted in several markets including Argentina, Canada and the United States, 1507 maize offers broad in-plant insect protection against the European "; S9[17]=" corn borer, southwestern corn borer, western bean cutworm, black cutworm and fall armyworm.
It also helps reduce pesticide applications and, because it "; S10[17]=" produces more grain on the same land area, it improves farm productivity and profitability -- sustainable agriculture in practice.
'1507 maize "; S11[17]=" can help farmers protect their seed investment by minimizing the risk of insect damage, while maximizing the yield performance of Pioneer's superior seed products,' said "; S12[17]=" Oestreich.
Jointly developed by Pioneer and Dow AgroSciences LLC, and marketed as Herculex(R) I in the United States, maize hybrids with "; S13[17]=" the 1507 trait have already been approved in 12 other countries around the world.
Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc., a subsidiary of DuPont, "; S14[17]=" is the world's leading source of customized solutions for farmers, livestock producers and grain and oilseed processors.
With headquarters in Des Moines, "; S15[17]=" Iowa, Pioneer provides access to advanced plant genetics, crop protection solutions and quality crop systems to customers in nearly 70 countries.
DuPont "; S16[17]=" is a science company.
Founded in 1802, DuPont puts science to work by creating sustainable solutions essential to a better, safer, healthier "; S17[17]=" life for people everywhere.
Operating in more than 70 countries, DuPont offers a wide range of innovative products and services for markets "; S18[17]=" including agriculture, nutrition, electronics, communications, safety and protection, home and construction, transportation and apparel... "; R[18]="547"; T[18]="New top scientist favours GM food"; A[18]="By ... Editor"; Dn[18]="20060301"; Dt[18]="Wednesday 1 March 2006"; Acats[18]="a04a12a93"; B1[18]=" Australia's new chief scientist is an award-winning molecular plant science expert who preaches the benefits of genetically modified foods.... "; B2[18]=" "; B3[18]=" "; B4[18]=" "; B5[18]=" "; S1[18]=" Australia's new chief scientist is an award-winning molecular plant science expert who preaches the benefits of genetically modified foods.
"; S2[18]=" After a nine-month search to fill the vacant post, CSIRO scientist Jim Peacock, 68, will take on the role of the nation's top adviser on "; S3[18]=" science.
Former chief scientist Robin Batterham resigned in May after a storm of controversy over his part-time role and claims of "; S4[18]=" a conflict of interest with his private-sector employment as chief technologist at mining giant Rio Tinto.
Dr Peacock is almost certain "; S5[18]=" to take on the job full-time after previously criticising Dr Batterham's part-time role.
Described as one of the CSIRO's 'living treasures', "; S6[18]=" Dr Peacock led one of the organisation's most successful sections, the plant industry division, for 25 years.
He has scotched arguments "; S7[18]=" that GM crops could become eco-vandals by rejecting claims genes could 'jump the fence' and infect neighbouring crops with GM-modified genes.
"; S8[18]=" One of his passions is the secrets behind the genes that control when a plant flowers - the key to developing GM crops.
"; S9[18]=" The agri-scientist warned last year that state government bans on the planting of GM canola crops were costing the economy hundreds of millions "; S10[18]=" of dollars worth of exports.
'We can change our foods so our most common staple foods will help guard against the "; S11[18]=" onset of these diseases and will make a significant contribution to reducing the enormous expenditure on therapeutic medicine,' he told the National Press Club at "; S12[18]=" the time.
'Diabetes is the epidemic of the 21st century.
If the important starch component of these cereals "; S13[18]=" had a low glycemic index, we would be a long way to reducing the incidence and severity of diabetes.' Mr Peacock was also a "; S14[18]=" co-recipient of the inaugural Prime Minister's Science Prize in 2000 and is a member of the Prime Minister's Science, Engineering and Innovation Council.
"; S15[18]=" In the past, he consistently hosed down rumours he was in line for the top job, quipping last year: 'It isn't me.' As "; S16[18]=" president of the Australian Academy of Science, Mr Peacock has also argued the position should be full-time to ensure the chief scientist could advise the "; S17[18]=" Government without any suggestion of bias.
Appointed in 1999, his predecessor, Dr Batterham worked two days a week in the role "; S18[18]=" of chief scientist, but said he maintained a firewall between his Rio Tinto role and his government job.
'It's unfortunate that "; S19[18]=" people have adopted that attitude because on day one it was known that I had the two jobs and that I'd of course be keeping "; S20[18]=" them separate,' he said.
'It's interesting that the parliamentary inquiry in the Senate found no wrongdoing whatsoever or no evidence of "; S21[18]=" bias between them ...
There's some terrific challenges in Rio Tinto at the moment and I really want to put full-time effort "; S22[18]=" into that.' In 2004, Mr Peacock also slammed the Howard Government's attempts to back money-spinning science at the expense of basic, 'public good' research.
"; S23[18]=" 'If you attempt to lay unique emphasis on innovation in industry without taking care of the discovery process, it's a short-term view,' "; S24[18]=" he warned... "; R[19]="260"; T[19]="Warning on bitter GM harvest"; A[19]="By ... Editor"; Dn[19]="20060222"; Dt[19]="Wednesday 22 February 2006"; Acats[19]="a12"; B1[19]=" Genetically modified crops have failed to deliver the economic benefits promised to US farmers and could pose similar problems if adopted in "; B2[19]="Australia, a former US government bureaucrat has warned... "; B3[19]=" "; B4[19]=" "; B5[19]=" "; S1[19]=" Genetically modified crops have failed to deliver the economic benefits promised to US farmers and could pose similar problems if adopted in "; S2[19]=" Australia, a former US government bureaucrat has warned.
Australia could lose agricultural export dollars, and farmers could find themselves using more herbicides "; S3[19]=" to control weeds and being sued by other farmers for crop contamination if they chose to grow genetically engineered crops, said Charles Benbrook, who worked "; S4[19]=" as an agricultural adviser to the Carter, Reagan and Clinton administrations.
Dr Benbrook is touring Australia to warn government ministers and farmers "; S5[19]=" about what he believes are the problems with the first decade of genetically modified crops in the US.
His tour is sponsored "; S6[19]=" by GeneEthics, a group campaigning against the release of genetically modified contaminated material.
'Across the south-eastern US, where soybean and cotton farmers "; S7[19]=" have relied almost exclusively on [genetic engineering] technology for several years, the system is on the brink of collapse, the volume of herbicides used is "; S8[19]=" setting new records and farmers' profit margins are shrinking,' he said.
Most genetically modified crops are designed so farmers can spray their "; S9[19]=" fields with herbicide, killing weeds but not the crop.
Dr Benbrook said the widespread use of genetically modified crops initially led to "; S10[19]=" a drop in the herbicides US farmers used.
But farmers with such crops were now using more weed chemicals than were conventional "; S11[19]=" farmers.
'The increase is getting bigger as weeds become more resistant.
It has definitely not been an economic boon "; S12[19]=" for farmers,' he said, adding that resistance in some markets, such as Europe, to genetically modified products had damaged US agricultural exports.
"; S13[19]=" 'What I am urging agricultural leaders and politicians to do is learn from the lessons in the US.' But Dr Ian Edwards, a spokesman for "; S14[19]=" the biotechnology industry body AusBiotech, accused Dr Benbrook of 'cherry picking' his statistics to suit his argument.
'To blame GM crops for "; S15[19]=" weed resistance has no basis in science.' Weed resistance to herbicides had developed because farmers misused or over-used the chemicals, he said.
"; S16[19]=" He said farmers could always change the type of herbicide they used to avoid problems, although he conceded there was a chance weeds would eventually "; S17[19]=" become resistant to the new herbicide... "; R[20]="239"; T[20]="Tasmania Maintains Goal Of GM Freedom"; A[20]="By ... Editor"; Dn[20]="20060222"; Dt[20]="Wednesday 22 February 2006"; Acats[20]="a12a69"; B1[20]=" The State Government won t be giving up its goal of maintaining GM free status and is determined to eradicate unwanted GM "; B2[20]="material as soon as possible... "; B3[20]=" "; B4[20]=" "; B5[20]=" "; S1[20]=" The State Government won't be giving up its goal of maintaining GM free status and is determined to eradicate unwanted GM material "; S2[20]=" as soon as possible.
The Minister for Primary Industries and Water, Steve Kons, has reaffirmed the Government's commitment to a Genetically-Modified (GM)-free "; S3[20]=" policy.
'GM-free is defined as a zero tolerance to contamination of canola seed or grain by GM canola and that is our "; S4[20]=" ultimate target.' However, Mr Kons confirmed that, as expected, preliminary trials of the Grace strain of canola at Cressy had shown it was likely to "; S5[20]=" be contaminated.
'Follow-up laboratory testing is continuing.
'But given that the strain is the same as that found to "; S6[20]=" be contaminated in Victoria it was always the expectation that some of the Tasmanian crops would be found to be contaminated as well.' Mr Kons "; S7[20]=" said this need not threaten Tasmania's status or the aim for zero tolerance.
'Given the low levels of contamination there is no "; S8[20]=" need for wholesale crop destruction, in fact it would achieve nothing.
'The crop sites will still have to be monitored over coming "; S9[20]=" years and managed similar to the way the old GM canola trial sites are, that is any volunteer plants are dealt with as they appear.
"; S10[20]=" 'In the interim commercial crops will be able to be harvested and sent to other state's which have agreed to a tolerance "; S11[20]=" level for contamination.
'We acknowledge that a zero tolerance of GM material in canola is probably not achievable in the large canola-producing "; S12[20]=" states, but we believe it should be possible here in Tasmania.
'Our relatively small industry and our isolation gives us hope that "; S13[20]=" we can maintain GM freedom and I reiterate that remains our aim,' Mr Kons said... "; R[21]="229"; T[21]="Wine industry monitors GM yeast experiment"; A[21]="By ... Editor"; Dn[21]="20060222"; Dt[21]="Wednesday 22 February 2006"; Acats[21]="a12a13"; B1[21]=" The world s first genetically modified wine yeast has been released into the North American market..... "; B2[21]=" "; B3[21]=" "; B4[21]=" "; B5[21]=" "; S1[21]=" The world's first genetically modified wine yeast has been released into the North American market.
Developed in France, the "; S2[21]=" yeast is expected to save costs through faster and more reliable fermentation.
However, the Australian wine industry is standing by its commitment "; S3[21]=" to remain GM-free and it is watching the experiment closely.
Dr Paul Chambers from the Australian Wine Research Institute says labelling could "; S4[21]=" become an issue for importers of US wines that use the modifed yeast.
'This yeast in the US system is regarded as "; S5[21]=" essentially the same as any other yeast,' he said.
'There is no requirement for the company to label the yeast when they "; S6[21]=" sell it to winemakers and of course then the winemakers over there may or may not know they're working with a GM yeast.'.. "; R[22]="228"; T[22]="CSIRO scraps pea GM project"; A[22]="By ... Editor"; Dn[22]="20060222"; Dt[22]="Wednesday 22 February 2006"; Acats[22]="a12a19a81"; B1[22]=" The CSIRO has scrapped a decade-long GM crop project that modified peas to resist insects because it made mice ill..... "; B2[22]=" "; B3[22]=" "; B4[22]=" "; B5[22]=" "; S1[22]=" The CSIRO has scrapped a decade-long GM crop project that modified peas to resist insects because it made mice ill.
"; S2[22]=" It is only the second time anywhere that a GM project has been abandoned after a gene transfer from one crop to another, News "; S3[22]=" Limited papers report.
Scientists at the research organisation discontinued the project, in its last stages, after it was discovered that mice being "; S4[22]=" fed the GM peas were experiencing inflammation of lung tissue and other adverse reactions.
The CSIRO said the GM pea had proven "; S5[22]=" to be almost 100 per cent effective against insect attack... "; R[23]="195"; T[23]="Ministers give nod to GM traces in canola"; A[23]="By ... Editor"; Dn[23]="20060222"; Dt[23]="Wednesday 22 February 2006"; Acats[23]="a12a82"; B1[23]=" Grain with traces of genetically modified material will be allowed to be traded after an agreement by federal and state agriculture ministers, "; B2[23]="bending a moratorium on the commercial release of GM crops across five states... "; B3[23]=" "; B4[23]=" "; B5[23]=" "; S1[23]=" Grain with traces of genetically modified material will be allowed to be traded after an agreement by federal and state agriculture ministers, "; S2[23]=" bending a moratorium on the commercial release of GM crops across five states.
The agreement, made yesterday at the Primary Industries Ministerial "; S3[23]=" Council meeting in Launceston will tolerate levels of GM material of up to 0.9 per cent after a spate of contaminated canola was detected in "; S4[23]=" crops this year.
Moratoriums imposing a nil tolerance, including in Victoria, would now be lifted to allow for the unintended or accidental "; S5[23]=" presence of GM canola in conventional canola crops in a move applauded by farmer groups but denounced by anti-GM groups, including Greenpeace.
"; S6[23]=" Victorian Agriculture Minister Bob Cameron said this year's harvest could now go ahead without disruption.
No farmers would be prosecuted for growing "; S7[23]=" conventional canola with trace levels of GM material, he said.
Mr Cameron said a threshold for the presence of GM material at "; S8[23]=" 0.9 per cent was consistent with the standard accepted by the European Union.
Under the agreement, seed companies would be required to "; S9[23]=" reduce the traces of GM material in conventional canola to 0.1 per cent over the next two planting seasons, he said... "; R[24]="138"; T[24]="GM science targets malaria"; A[24]="By ... Editor"; Dn[24]="20060222"; Dt[24]="Wednesday 22 February 2006"; Acats[24]="a09a12a33"; B1[24]=" Genetically modified mosquitoes could soon be released into the wild in an attempt to combat malaria..... "; B2[24]=" "; B3[24]=" "; B4[24]=" "; B5[24]=" "; S1[24]=" Genetically modified mosquitoes could soon be released into the wild in an attempt to combat malaria.
Scientists at Imperial "; S2[24]=" College, London, who created the GM insects, say they could wipe out natural mosquito populations and save thousands of lives in malaria-stricken regions.
"; S3[24]=" The team added a gene that makes the testicles of the male mosquitoes fluorescent, allowing the scientists to distinguish and easily separate them from "; S4[24]=" females.
The plan is to breed, sterilise and release millions of these male insects so they mate with wild females but produce "; S5[24]=" no offspring, eradicating insects in the target region within weeks.
Team leader Professor Andrea Crisanti said the mosquitoes were almost ready for "; S6[24]=" testing in the wild.
'This is a technology that works and could make a real difference.' Mosquitoes that spread malaria have long "; S7[24]=" been a target for sterile male technology.
The International Atomic Energy Agency has been using its radiation technology to support health projects, "; S8[24]=" and wants to release sterile mosquitoes to tackle malaria in northern Sudan and on Reunion Island in the Indian Ocean.
The next "; S9[24]=" step is to scale up the technique to provide the millions of GM insects needed to make a large-scale release effective.
The "; S10[24]=" scientists also need to check the sterile males will be strong enough to compete with wild rivals... "; R[25]="85"; T[25]="Call for Govt action after GM crop contamination"; A[25]="By ... Editor"; Dn[25]="20060222"; Dt[25]="Wednesday 22 February 2006"; Acats[25]="a12"; B1[25]=" The South Australian Greens are calling on the State Government to prevent the spread of genetically-modified canola crops, after a series of "; B2[25]="conventional trial crops in New South Wales were found to have been contaminated by genetically-modified canola... "; B3[25]=" "; B4[25]=" "; B5[25]=" "; S1[25]=" The South Australian Greens are calling on the State Government to prevent the spread of genetically-modified canola crops, after a series of "; S2[25]=" conventional trial crops in New South Wales were found to have been contaminated by genetically-modified canola.
Greens MP Kris Hanna says the "; S3[25]=" 12 crops found with traces of modified genes need to be declared genetically modified immediately and isolated from other crops.
He says "; S4[25]=" the Government also needs to make sure other crops are not affected.
'More rigorous and extensive testing of our conventional canola crops "; S5[25]=" around South Australia to make sure that this problem is not more widespread,' he said.
Mr Hanna says while the level of "; S6[25]=" genetically-modified material found in the crops was well below international market standards there is still the risk that South Australia's exports could suffer unless the "; S7[25]=" government acts.
Mr Hanna says there is a high risk that other crops could become contaminated.
'Once the GM "; S8[25]=" cat gets out of the bag it is almost impossible to the spread of it through cross-pollination et cetera.
'So it's going "; S9[25]=" to be hard to stop unless we can put a lid on it right now.'.. ";