Press Release

Western Australia’s leading farm lobby group, the Pastoralists and Graziers Association of WA (PGA) has welcomed the repeal of the GM Crops Free Areas Act 2003. 

The PGA has recognised the benefits GM crops since their introduction in the 1990s. 

This support was based on factual and evidence based conclusions including the agronomical benefits for farmers and that GM crops pose no threat to humans, animals or the environment. 

In 2009, the Western Australian State Government commenced the first commercial trials of GM canola.  Fast forward to 2015 and GM canola is the fastest adopted agricultural crop technology in the state. 

GM crops and non-GM crops are now being grown alongside one another all over the world.  Segregation of grains and oilseeds are standard practice and WA bulk handlers are recognized internationally for their ability to segregate GM and non-GM crops. 

The GM Crop Free Areas Act was introduced by the previous Labor government to deny farmers the opportunity to access this valuable technology. 

That Government also failed to recognize that crop co-existence does occur between farmers and there is international demand and acceptance of GM crops. 

The PGA was the sole farming group in WA to fight against the introduction of the Act, as was the case when the PGA fought to gain the current statewide exemption to grow RR canola. 

The PGA has fought hard to convince government that repealing this redundant Act is the right and proper thing to do. 

PGA member Mike Baxter has fought hard for the simple right to grow what he wanted on his farm.  The PGA was proud to support him in his fight against a well-funded activist campaign that flew in the face of common sense and decency. 

We commend Premier Barnett and his government for standing up for Western Australian farmers.