WA graingrowers want to know more about genetically modified (GM) crops so that they can make informed decisions about adopting them into their farming systems.

This was revealed at the recent Local Farmer Group Network (LFGN) Group Leaders Workshop, where Yuna Grower John Warr, of the Yuna Farm Improvement Group said he had mixed feelings about GM crops.

“I am all for trialing GM technology, especially if it creates better yields and increased profits, however I don’t want our international grain marketing potential compromised.”

Mr Warr joined more than 40 growers and grain industry stakeholders at the Burswood Entertainment Complex to discuss the current political, ethical and market status of GM.

The LFGN is funded by the Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC) and based at the University of Western Australia.

CSIRO researcher, Dr Rhonda Foley said that 95 per cent of all soybeans and cotton grown in the United States was genetically modified and GM wasn’t a major issue there.

“Australia exports canola to 10 countries, all of which accept GM,” Dr Foley said. 

Gene technology has been widely adopted globally, with 80 million hectares of GM crops planted, representing five per cent of world agricultural production.

However, every Australian state, except Queensland, has a moratorium on GM.

GRDC Western Panel member and Kojonup grower, Neil Young said growers needed access to information about GM so they could make educated decisions.

A key workshop outcome was that growers wanted to be more informed about not only GM technology, but also the markets that accept GM crops.

Fifty year farming veteran Nils Blumann of the Gibson Lupin Group closed the day by requesting that growers demand access to information about GM crops and the possible effects on their industry.

“Local farmer groups need to talk about GM, decide their position and then inform and lobby the government with their decision,” Mr Blumann said.