March 27, 2003

Canadian farmer and director of Manitoba Canola Growers Association, Bruce Dalgarno, will speak to farmers in Canowindra today about his experiences with canola including genetically modified (GM) varieties.

"Bruce Dalgarno is visiting to share his experiences and those of Canadian growers with Australian farmers," said Paula Fitzgerald, Executive Director, Agrifood Awareness Australia. "Growers in both countries face similar challenges, and Bruce has utilized GM canola as a farm management tool," she
said.

"The biggest challenges for growers in Canada are weed control, production costs, and seasonal changes," said Bruce Dalgarno. "GM canola varieties provide growers with better weed control options and more control over production costs because GM canola requires fewer herbicide applications," he said.

A survey of 650 canola growers undertaken by the Canola Council of Canada in 2000 found that as well as weed management ease, some growers also found GM varieties allowed their rotations to be more flexible with better yields and higher returns. Other reasons for choosing GM varieties were to reduce
tillage, seed earlier and conserve moisture.

"When I am choosing a variety I look for blackleg resistance, yield, early maturity for our short growing season and 'stand up' ability," said Mr Dalgarno. "Genetically modified varieties, first planted in 1995, meet these demands and as a result, now represent approximately 70 per cent of the market," he said.

"From an industry perspective, GM canola varieties have allowed the Canadian industry to grow 10-14 million acres of canola consistently each season to supply key markets which include the United States, China, Japan and Mexico," he said. "This consistency also translates to the farm level, with
growers having access to continually improving varieties."

"The future of the canola industry in Canada looks promising with hybrids under trials showing 25-35 per cent yield improvements over varieties currently available," said Mr Dalgarno.

Bruce and Carol Dalgarno have operated a grain farm in Manitoba since 1975. They grow hard red spring wheat, canola (including an identity preserved variety), barley, oats, flax and peas. In 1998, the Dalgarno's received Manitoba's Red River Exhibition Farm Family of the Year Award.

Agrifood Awareness Australia is an industry initiative established in 1999 to increase public awareness of, and encourage informed debate about, genetechnology. The organisation is supported by the National Farmers' Federation, Avcare and the Grains Research and Development Corporation.