2006, Volume 14, Paper 8

ISSN: 1883-5675

Is it Cost Effective to Segregate Canola in WA?

Bronwyn Crowe – Research Officer at the School of Agricultural and Resource Economics, University of WA

Jo Pluske – School of Agriculture and Resource Economics, University of WA

Abstract

If genetically modified (GM) canola varieties are to be released for commercial cultivation in Australia, the Australian canola supply chain would have to consider segregation options if it wishes to continue marketing non-GM canola and comply with worldwide labelling requirements. The feasibility of segregation and cost effectiveness of three possible segregation methods is investigated in this paper. In considering each of these methods the increase in total grain handling cost due to segregation is expected to be between 5 and 9 per cent. Such an increase is comparable with segregation costs reported in Canadian literature.

Key words: canola, genetically engineered crops, segregation, supply chain.

Download full document here