EXTRACT: "What surprised us was that given that last year only 8 per cent of the state canola production was GM and given we've got nearly two decades of conventional canola seed on the roadside, how we managed to get as much as 62 per cent," he said.
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Call for fugitive GM canola removal
ABC, October 24 2012
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-10-19/call-for-fugitive-gm-canola-removal/4323014
The Conservation Council of Western Australia says it is deeply concerned about a significant increase in fugitive genetically modified (GM) canola crops growing around Williams.
The results of a new study released by the council found 62 per cent of the canola plants found along a ten kilometre roadside stretch north of Williams were genetically modified.
The council's Nic Dunlop says that is alarming because Williams is renowned as an area free of GM canola.
He says the State Government must work to remove the crops from the area.
"Well the plants are still out there, the Government can go and get them, although we don't know the full extent of what's now a GM canola infestation," he said.
"We do know some of where it's located but I would think north and south of Williams need to be cleaned up very quickly while we can."
Mr Dunlop says it is most likely the result of ineffective clean-up after a truck spill of GM canola in August 2011.
"What surprised us was that given that last year only 8 per cent of the state canola production was GM and given we've got nearly two decades of conventional canola seed on the roadside, how we managed to get as much as 62 per cent," he said.
Call for fugitive GM canola removal
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