The Western Australian Government has officially opened the New Genes for New Environments grain research facility, which will complement an existing operation at Merredin.

 

State Minister for Agriculture and Food, Terry  Redman, said the new facility will enable the Australian grains industry to remain internationally competitive through access to the latest advances in crop technology.

 

“Genetic modification of crop varieties is helping to deliver productivity gains to growers and the grains industry,” Mr Redman said.


“Potential benefits include improvements to grower viability, more sustainable regional communities and a reduction in environmental impact from agricultural production systems.”

 

The two sites were selected because of their contrasting weather: Merredin has low rainfall and high temperatures, while Katanning often experiences frosts and winter waterlogging.


“The New Genes for New Environments facilities meet the stringent national standards of the Office of Gene Technology Regulator and enable research partners to work with the department to evaluate the performance of trial GM crops in a safe and controlled environment,” Mr Redman said.

 

“Future commercialisation of any GM crop will require approval of the Office of the Gene Technology Regulator, market acceptance of the GM crop and approval under WA’s GM Crops Free Areas Act 2003.


“This approval process provides the checks and balances necessary to ensure there is confidence the technology is being applied safely.”