2002, Volume 5, Paper 51-1
ISSN: 2209-6612

Genetic Modification-Free Zones

Government of Western Australia

Introduction

Genetic modification or GM (also known as gene technology, genetic engineering, genetic manipulation) is a term used to describe a group of techniques which can alter the genetic material of a living organism (plant, animal or microbe) and thus modify its characteristics. The technology has a wide variety of applications including research, agriculture, production of therapeutic goods (e.g. insulin), bio-remediation (e.g. use of micro-organisms to decompose toxic substances) and industrial uses.

In the agricultural sector, proponents of GM believe that advances in primary production, from the use of this technology, will allow Australia to improve existing production efficiency. This in turn will help to maintain or improve Australia’s share of world markets.

Despite the promise of this relatively new technology, the public has been confronted with charges and counter charges concerned with the risks and benefits of using GM.

The State Government has declared that it will take a cautious approach to the introduction of GM crop varieties into farming systems, noting that a balance is required between opportunity and prudence. The Government considers that the utilisation of GM crops may be a critical element in the future competitiveness of the agricultural sector. It is also aware that some members of the community have concerns about using such crops.

The Government supports the recognition of designated areas as described in Section 21 of the Commonwealth Gene Technology Act 2000 (see below), and has introduced State legislation to enable GM-free and/or GM zones to be established.

Part of the Government’s policy is a commitment to public consultation on GM-free and/or GM zones, on the form they might take, and how they might be managed. Views are also sought on processes to define needs for GM-free and/or GM zones. This paper has been prepared to assist in the consultation process.

This paper looks primarily at the potential role of GM-free zones in facilitating the production of crops that do not use genetic modification and supporting marketing programs for non-GM crops and crop products. This emphasis on GM-free zones reflects community interest, in particular by some local governments in Australia, to have local government areas declared GM-free.

The potential role of designated GM (as opposed to GM-free) zones is also considered. However, it should be noted that GM zones would not necessarily confine all GM crop production within their boundaries.

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