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Biotech News Government news Regular news from state and federal governments. |
Expert council supports GM food crops in NSW
February 24 – A meeting of the NSW State Government expert council has supported plans for the planting of 3500 hectares of GM canola in NSW as soon as April. Monsanto and Bayer have applied to plant trial plots of GM canola and have asked that the participating farmers be allowed to sell the crops. A moratorium on GM food crops bans their commercial production but allows field trials to take place. The legislation also grants Minister for Agriculture, Ian Macdonald, the power to grant exemptions to the moratorium at any time. The Federal Office of the Gene Technology Regulator decided last year that GM canola posed no risk to either human health or the environment with one or two hectare trials having already been planted. Minister Macdonald's office or the council are yet to received the final proposal for the Monsanto/Bayer trial although approval is expected. Opponents claim the council is being pressured to make a decision about the trial so GM canola can be sown this season.
[Source: Sydney Morning Herald]
Government agenda focus on scientific tools
February 26 – The Science Industry Action Agenda, launched by Minister McGauran, aims to identify and develop strategies to overcome impediments to growth in the industry. 'Scientific instruments are a key enabling technology that underpin the international competitiveness of a wide-range of industries,' Industry, Tourism and Resources Minister Ian Macfarlane said. Greater market share of the USD $3.5 billion laboratory instrument market, increased domestic sales and improved collaborations are some of the goals to be realised through the Action Agenda. The Government hopes the Action Agenda will help unify Government, science, industry and the research and innovation community.
[Source: Media Release]
