Growing GM canola - the risks, the rewards and the regulation

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Wednesday 27 February 2008 (Updated Fri 29 Feb at 2.30pm AEDT)

MEDIA BRIEFING: Growing GM Canola - the risks, the rewards and the regulation

Friday 29 February at 10.30am AEDT in Melbourne. Also available online.

**AUDIO FILES NOW AVAILABLE BELOW**

On Friday 29 February, the moratorium on the planting of GM canola effectively ends in NSW and Victoria. Yet debate continues about what the impact of planting GM canola will be. While genetically modified cotton has been grown in Australia for the past ten years, the planting of GM canola brings new questions about the role of GM in Australian farming.

Along with the potential for reward, planting GM canola brings risks. From reduced herbicide use to the creation of ‘superweeds’, uncovering the science behind these risks and benefits can be difficult. Which concerns are the most scientifically justified? What is to be gained or lost? Which risks can be managed and which can’t?

Join this AusSMC background media briefing on the day the Victorian moratorium lifts and hear from the Chair of the Review and three GM scientists discussing the risks and benefits of GM canola.

FOOTNOTE: For a broader range of views from other experts, go to our Rapid Roundup on GM canola.

PRESENTERS WERE :

	Introduction by Dr Susannah Eliott - CEO of the AusSMC \| Audio (MP3 - 1Mb)
	Professor Sir Gustav Nossal - Chair of the Review of the moratorium of GM canola in Victoria \| Audio (MP3 - 2.8Mb)
	Professor Rick Roush - Dean of Land and Food Resources, University of Melbourne \| Audio (Mp3 - 2.1Mb) \| PowerPoint presentation (pdf)
	Dr Chris Preston - Programme Leader for the Weeds CRC and University of Adelaide \| Audio (MP3 - 1Mb)
	Dr TJ Higgins - Deputy Chief, CSIRO Plant Industry \| Audio (MP3 - 1.5Mb) \| PowerPoint presentation (pdf)
	Discussion \| Audio (MP3 - 4.4Mb) Approx 18 min

WATCH A REPLAY OF THE FULL BRIEFING NOW

Briefing Details:

DATE: Friday, 29 February 2008

TIME: 10.30am AEDT

VENUE: Melbourne & Online

DURATION: 60 min

For further information or if you have any queries regarding online briefings, please contact the AusSMC on 08 8207 7415 or email us.

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