20000326

Genetically modified canola found in Australia dump

SYDNEY: Genetically engineered canola plants not yet approved for public release in Australia have been found in a garbage dump, The Age newspaper reported on Saturday.

The Melbourne paper said the experimental plants, containing multiple genetic modifications including one for herbicide resistance, were found at the dump near the South Australian city of Mount Gambier, about 375 km (230 miles) west of Melbourne.

The government has warned that herbicide-resistant "super weeds" could emerge if such plants cross-pollinated with common weeds.

As such, genetically modified (GM) plant trials and disposal of GM material are supposed to be conducted under strict guidelines.

Scott Kinnear, chairman of the Organic Federation of Australia, an organic farming lobby, said the find was an "outrage" and called for a halt to experimental genetically engineered canola crops in the country, Australian Associated Press said.

The controversy has erupted as Australia debates whether to allow the introduction of GM canola for commercial growing. The pro-GM lobby hopes that could begin as early as next year.

If GM canola crops are introduced to Australia, canola would become Australia's second largest commercial GM crop after cotton.

The issue of whether Australia follows Canada into commercial production of GM canola is becoming a major world test case in whether GM crops will overtake conventionally produced crops or whether consumer resistance halts the progress of GM crops.

GM crops have been touted for their increased productivity, lower costs and resistance to pests but a consumer backlash has erupted over fears about tampering with nature and potential health and safety issues.

Australia is one of the main canola exporters in the world, after leader Canada, mainly supplying Asian markets.-Reuters