EXTRACT: A preference by consumers for GM-free food was not just a Japanese phenomenon and was mirrored in Australia, Europe and worldwide, Mr Chance said.

WA farmers were receiving substantial price premiums for their GM-free canola and it made no sense to jeopardise the state's strong market position and begin growing commercial GM crops, the minister said.

---

WA farmers 'benefit' from non-GM trade
The Age, December 6 2007
http://www.theage.com.au/news/National/WA-farmers-benefit-from-nonGM-trade/2007/12/06/1196812908251.html

Western Australian farmers are reaping financial benefits and trade advantages by maintaining its moratorium on growing genetically modified crops, WA Agriculture Minister Kim Chance says.

Mr Chance said the Consumers Union of Japan announced it would cease buying canola from Victoria and NSW during a recent Australian visit.

It would instead buy WA's GM free canola.

The Japanese cooperative currently buys up to 3,500 tonnes of canola from NSW and Victoria.

'These companies know what their consumers want - clearly, that is a preference for GM-free foods,' Mr Chance said.

'The state government's disappointment with the Victorian and NSW governments has been shared by Japanese consumers.'

A preference by consumers for GM-free food was not just a Japanese phenomenon and was mirrored in Australia, Europe and worldwide, Mr Chance said.

WA farmers were receiving substantial price premiums for their GM-free canola and it made no sense to jeopardise the state's strong market position and begin growing commercial GM crops, the minister said.

'The WA government's attitude to GMs is clear - we will remain clean, green and GM-free unless our consumers tell us otherwise,' Mr Chance said.