Press Release

The PGA Western Grain Growers committee congratulates Premier Colin Barnett and his government on progressing the Genetically Modified Crops Free Areas Repeal Bill 2015 to its third reading.

The PGA had become very concerned that the repeated delays in the Legislative Council would set back the repeal Bill.

In contrast to the efforts of WA Labor to defy progress, the PGA grains committee has long recognized that trends for increased use of GM biotechnology in the US, Canada and South America would be vital for the future of WA grain producers.

14 years ago, the PGA adopted a policy of advocacy and support for the introduction of GM biotechnology, which at the time was restricted to RR canola.

The PGA grains committee has continued to prosecute the case for GM biotechnology in the face of substantial opposition, and since the Gallop/Carpenter Labor government enacted the GM Crops Free Areas Act, the PGA has played the principal role in energetically opposing it.

The PGA urges the Barnett government to finish the job and repeal the Act in the spring session of Parliament.

WA agriculture cannot continue with the threat of the GM Crops Free Areas Act hanging over its head.

Now that the mining boom is over, agriculture needs the certainty that the repeal Bill will offer so it can grow and prosper and contribute to the WA economy.