Only GM cotton and transgenic rapeseed are commercially grown in Australia.
â–¡ Huang Xin
Recently, the Ministry of Agriculture approved the import of three new genetically modified soybean varieties, sparking widespread concern among the Chinese public. As a major agricultural country with strict food quarantine regulations, Australia has a unique approach to GM foods. They ban the sale of fresh genetically modified products, prohibit organic foods from using GM materials, and only allow GM cotton and rapeseed for commercial use. This policy reflects a cautious but not entirely restrictive stance on biotechnology in agriculture.
A
What is Genetically Modified Food?
For centuries, humans have used selective breeding to enhance desirable traits in plants and animals, significantly improving food production and quality. In recent years, the term "transgenic food" has gained popularity. These foods are created using modern molecular biology techniques that transfer specific genes from one organism to another, altering their genetic makeup to achieve desired characteristics such as improved shape, nutrition, or consumer appeal. While similar to traditional crossbreeding, transgenics offer greater precision by selecting only the most useful gene segments, rather than entire chromosomes.
One notable example is the use of antifreeze genes from Arctic fish to create frost-resistant strawberries. However, despite its potential, transgenic technology remains controversial due to its relative immaturity and the uncertainty surrounding long-term safety. Public trust is still low, and many people remain unsure about its benefits and risks.
The first transgenic crop, tobacco, was developed in 1983, followed by the approval of genetically modified tomatoes in the U.S. in 1994. By 1996, the commercial planting of genetically modified crops began to take off, leading to rapid growth in research and development. Major crops included cotton, soybeans, rice, wheat, corn, and rapeseed. By 2007, over 114 million hectares worldwide were dedicated to GM crops, accounting for 10% of global production.
As of 2007, more than 15 million farmers across 29 countries cultivated GM crops. The U.S. led with 50% of global production, followed by Argentina (17%), Brazil (13%), Canada (6%), and India (5%). China accounted for 3%. In soybean cultivation, the U.S. was the largest producer, with 29.1 million hectares planted in 2010, representing 93.9% of the area and 39.7% of global GM soybean acreage. Argentina had nearly 100% GM soybean planting since 2001, making it the second-largest producer.
GM crops gained popularity quickly due to their economic advantages. Compared to traditional farming, they are more resistant to pests, reducing the need for pesticides, herbicides, and labor. This makes farm management more efficient. According to a 2000 USDA report, the use of GM crops in the U.S. between 1997 and 1998 saved farmers $8.2 million in pesticide costs. These savings could be reinvested into land improvement or machinery, increasing productivity.
From 1996 to 2004, global pesticide use dropped by 172 million kilograms due to GM crops. Additionally, GM crops often yield more than traditional ones. For instance, genetically modified sweet potatoes can boost production by 18%-25%, increasing farmer income by 30%.
B
Only Two GM Crops Are Grown Commercially in Australia: Cotton and Rapeseed
In Australia, only two genetically modified crops are currently grown commercially: cotton and rapeseed. In 1996, the Australian government approved the cultivation of GM cotton, which now accounts for 90% of the country's cotton production. The adoption of GM rapeseed, however, was slower. Although approved in 2003, many local governments imposed restrictions due to concerns about economic and environmental impacts. It wasn't until 2008 that New South Wales and Victoria lifted their bans, allowing GM rapeseed cultivation. Western Australia began planting GM canola in January 2010.
By 2009, these two GM crops covered around 200,000 hectares, with projections of reaching 650,000 hectares by 2010. The expansion of GM cotton in Western Australia reflects the gradual acceptance of biotechnology in the country. Located along the Ord River, Western Australia is a major cotton-growing region. However, the area has historically suffered from pest infestations, such as the cotton bollworm in the 1970s, which nearly destroyed the local industry.
In 2008, Western Australia removed restrictions on GM crops in the Ord River basin and began trials of GM cotton. According to officials from the Australian Department of Agricultural Research, GM test fields in Kununurra outperformed conventional cotton fields. This year, 800 hectares of GM cotton will be planted in the region, marking the first commercial GM cotton in Western Australia in a decade.
Farmers like David Menzell emphasize the importance of technological advancements for the cotton industry. He states that GM cotton is essential for continued production. Another farmer, Fritz Bolton, notes that the hot and humid climate limits the variety of crops in the Ord River region. With rising international cotton prices, successful GM cotton cultivation could boost the local economy and create jobs.
Australia, though a major agricultural country, started late in GM crop production and has limited varieties. However, production has increased in recent years. GM cotton alone generates $1.5 billion annually, while 35% of Australia’s rapeseed is exported to Japan.
In addition to commercial cotton and rapeseed, Australia conducts transgenic experiments on various crops, including papaya, wheat, barley, and sugarcane. More advanced research is being done on bananas, rice, and corn, aiming to improve pest resistance, herbicide tolerance, and other traits such as color, oil content, and flowering. Whether these crops will move to large-scale commercial production depends on evaluations by the Australian Genetic Technology Planning Bureau.
FUJI Elevator Traction Machine
Elevator Traction Machine,Traction Machine,Elevator Specific Traction Machine,Elevator Dray Machine
Suzhou FUJI Precision Elevator Co.,Ltd , https://www.profuji.com