GM crops produced down under:
Cotton and canola are genetically modified in Australia, with other foods such as soybeans, potatoes, sugar beet and corn are genetically modified overseas and then imported here.
COTTON Genetically modified cotton has been grown in Australia since 1996. The cotton has been modified so that it is insect resistant, herbicide tolerant or both. Cotton seed from GM cotton is crushed to produce cotton seed oil, which is widely used for cooking. Cottonseed can be used in stockfeed. CANOLA GM canola, modified for herbicide tolerance, was approved for production in Australia in 2003. However the states in which canola was being grown at the time placed bans. Bans which were only lifted by NSW and Victoria in 2008. WA also currently allows growing of GM canola crops. Canola oil is used in margarine-type spreads, dairy blends and as an ingredient in tinned and snack foods. Canola meal is often used in stockfeed. HERBICIDE RESISTANCE: Herbicide resistance can be defined as the ability of a weed population to survive a herbicide application that previously was known to control the population. HERBICIDE TOLERANCE: Herbicide tolerance is the inherent ability of a species to survive and reproduce after herbicide treatment. |