GM crops overrated: lobby group

Farmers opposed to genetically modified (GM) crops have welcomed the results of the
first independent trials of GM canola, which show it produced similar yields to
conventional crops.
The trials in Victoria and NSW, conducted by the Grains Research and Development
Corporation (GRDC), showed GM canola yielded 0.7 tonnes per hectare, compared with
0.8t/ha for non-GM crops.
"This is clear evidence that GM canola is not what it is promoted as," Network of
Concerned Farmers spokeswoman Julie Newman said in a statement.
"We hope farmers will now realise they have been misled to believe GM canola should
yield more when there is no logical reason why it should."
But the GRDC's national variety trials manager, Alan Bedggood says people shouldn't
read too much into the initial trials.
"You cannot make an inference of the future performance of a variety from one
trial," he told ABC Radio.
"Even from two trials in one year - it's prone to error."
Mr Bedggood said while the results were an indication of what could happen
long-term, the trials really only proved "there wasn't major differences between the
best of the varieties in this one year, in one location".
Last year, Federal Agriculture Minister Tony Burke said Australians should accept
that GM crops were crucial in addressing the world food crisis.
Western Australia will join Victoria and NSW in allowing GM trials this year.