NEWS FROM AUSTRALIA
1.GM act review recommends minor changes
2.Premium return in Japan for non-GM canola
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1.GM act review recommends minor changes
RAY CHAN
Farm Weekly, 3 Dec 2009
http://fw.farmonline.com.au/news/state/grains-and-cropping/general/gm-act-review-recommends-minor-changes/1694127.aspx

WA'S Clayton's moratorium on GM crops looks set to stand after the reviewer of WA's Genetically Modified (GM) Crops act found no need for drastic changes to the legislation.

Former WA Parliamentary Counsel Greg Calcutt, appointed to review submissions and prepare a report for Agriculture and Food Minister Terry Redman, recommended only minor improvements to the scheme and said another review of the Act's operation and effectiveness should be conducted if and when it has been in operation for a further five year period.

In essence, if Mr Calcutt's findings are adhered to, it means GM crops will continue to be prohibited in WA and can only be grown in designated areas for which exemptions have been granted.

The Act came into operation in 2003, and purports to "prohibit the cultivation of certain genetically modified crops in designated areas of the state and to provide for their destruction in certain cases".

The review investigated the need for the Act, its operation and effectiveness, and the orders made under the Act "prohibiting the cultivation of GM crops and granting exemptions from that prohibition".

Mr Calcutt said consideration should be given to ways of introducing more certainty, transparency, and public participation into the decision-making process relating to the granting of exemptions to allow the cultivation of GM crops.

As well, he called for more accurate information to be provided about the location of GM crops to producers who might be affected by them.

More than 400 submissions were made to the review, including several from Japanese parties opposed to GM foods.

Read the full story in this week's Farm Weekly.
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2.Premium return in Japan for non-GM canola
Land and Stock, 3 December 2009
http://sl.farmonline.com.au/news/state/grains-and-cropping/general/premium-return-in-japan-for-nongm-canola/1694074.aspx

A VICTORIAN grain marketer is tapping into the Japanese public’s desire for non-GM canola by putting together a package of the oilseed that it has been able to sell at a premium.

Southern Quality Produce (SQP) last week announced it had completed the sale of 7000 tonnes of non-GM canola into the Japanese market, posting a premium in the process.

SQP’s managing director Ben Fleay said that the sale added to SQP’s product offering.

“The sale of non GM canola as a premium product is yet another innovative alternative for our growers.

“This sale will give growers a premium of up to $5 over and above other canola sales,” said Mr Fleay.

He said the bid to get into marketing of specific niche products, such as non-GM canola, was part of a strategy of looking to value-add grain wherever possible.

“SQP and our joint venture partner Emerald, have introduced innovations such as additional quality premiums as well as early commitment premiums.

“This sale is another way in which we can deliver growers benefits through achieving a premium.”

He said the sale was good news for Victorian growers.

“Selling to the premium Japanese market is also a coup for Victorian growers.

“By working with our established export customers, we were able to get a foot into the premium market, and therefore able to offer our customers a niche market which is another alternative for both conventional and GM canola sales. This also helps us build our market share into important markets, including Japan, in a time of strong international competition,” said Mr Fleay.

The canola will be sourced from the Western District, with

deliveries for the Japanese consignment being taken at one of the region’s major receival points at Australian Bulk Alliance Tatyoon North site.