Only GM cotton and transgenic rapeseed are allowed for commercial cultivation in Australia.
â–¡ Huang Xin
Recently, the Ministry of Agriculture approved the import of three new genetically modified soybean varieties, sparking widespread public concern. Australia, a major agricultural country with strict food quarantine regulations, has specific policies regarding GM foods. They prohibit the sale of fresh genetically modified products, and organic foods cannot contain GM materials. Only GM cotton and rapeseed are permitted for commercial use. The rest remain under strict regulation or experimental stages.
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 to transfer genes from one organism to another, altering their genetic makeup to achieve specific characteristics such as improved yield, nutrition, or resistance to pests.
Transgenic technology is similar to traditional crossbreeding but more precise. While crossbreeding transfers entire chromosomes, transgenics involve selecting and inserting only the most beneficial gene segments. This makes it more targeted and efficient than conventional methods.
One notable example is the use of antifreeze genes from Arctic fish to create frost-resistant strawberries. Despite its potential, transgenic technology remains controversial due to its relative immaturity and the uncertainty surrounding long-term safety. Public trust is still developing, and many people remain cautious about its implications.
The first transgenic crop, tobacco, was developed in 1983. By 1994, genetically modified tomatoes were approved for sale in the U.S. Since 1996, the global cultivation of GM crops has grown rapidly, with major crops including cotton, soybeans, rice, wheat, corn, and rapeseed. By 2007, over 114 million hectares were dedicated to GM crops worldwide, accounting for 10% of total crop production.
As of 2007, 29 countries had over 15 million farmers growing GM crops. The U.S. produced 50% of the world's GM crops, followed by Argentina (17%), Brazil (13%), Canada (6%), and India (5%). China accounted for 3%. In the global soybean industry, the U.S. is the largest producer of GM soybeans, with 93.9% of its planting area being genetically modified in 2010, representing 39.7% of the world’s GM soybean acreage.
Transgenic crops have seen rapid adoption due to their economic benefits. Compared to traditional farming, GM crops are more pest-resistant, reducing the need for pesticides, herbicides, and labor, making farming more efficient. A 2000 USDA report found that GM crops in the U.S. saved farmers $8.2 million in pesticide costs between 1997 and 1998. Globally, pesticide use dropped by 172 million kilograms from 1996 to 2004 due to GM crops.
Additionally, GM crops often yield more than conventional ones. For instance, genetically modified sweet potatoes can boost production by 18-25%, increasing farmer income by up to 30%.
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Only Two GM Crops Are Commercially Grown 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 introduction of GM rapeseed was slower. Although approved in 2003, many local governments banned it due to concerns about environmental and economic impacts. It wasn't until 2008 that New South Wales and Victoria lifted the restrictions, allowing GM rapeseed to be planted. Western Australia began cultivating GM canola in January 2010.
By 2009, these two GM crops covered 200,000 hectares, and the area expanded to 650,000 hectares by 2010. The acceptance of GM cotton in Western Australia reflects the broader shift in public perception of biotechnology in agriculture.
Western Australia, known for its cotton-growing regions along the Ord River, faced severe pest problems. In the 1970s, the cotton bollworm nearly destroyed the local cotton industry. In 2008, the state lifted restrictions on GM crops in the Ord River basin, leading to the trial planting of GM cotton. According to researchers, the yield from transgenic test fields in Kununurra was higher than that of conventional cotton fields.
This year, 800 hectares of GM cotton will be planted in the Ord River region—marking the first commercial GM cotton planting in Western Australia in a decade. Farmer David Menzell emphasized the importance of technological innovation for the local cotton industry, stating that GM cotton is essential for continued production. Many farmers in Kununurra have participated in trials and reported significant improvements in pest control.
Fritz Bolton, another local farmer, noted that the hot and humid climate in the region limits the types of crops that can be grown. With rising global cotton prices, successful GM cotton cultivation could boost the local economy and create jobs.
Australia, while a major agricultural nation, started GM crop development later and has a limited range of approved varieties. However, production has increased in recent years. GM cotton alone generates around 1.5 billion Australian dollars annually, and 35% of Australia's rapeseed is exported to Japan.
Besides cotton and rapeseed, Australia conducts transgenic research on crops like papaya, wheat, barley, and sugarcane. More advanced studies are underway on bananas, rice, and corn, focusing on improving pest resistance, herbicide tolerance, and nutritional content.
All these developments must go through rigorous evaluation by the Australian Genetic Technology Planning Bureau before they can be considered for large-scale commercial use.
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