Secret report backs planting GM crops

News Limited August 12, 2007 A CONFIDENTIAL report has recommended farmers be allowed to plant genetically modified crops so they can compete in the world market.

The July report by the Department of Agriculture says GM crops pose no danger to human health and the environment and should be implemented as soon as possible to help Australian farmers stay competitive.

Agriculture Minister Peter McGauran, who is leading the push for GM crops, is backing the report despite bans in all states except Queensland.

New South Wales and Victoria are expected to lift the bans following support for GM crops by farming groups and the CSIRO.

The Victorian Government bans canola, the only crop not to have received approval by gene technology authorities.

"GM canola offers some solutions to the current problems conventional canola faces in Australia and is likely to make an important contribution to farming systems," the federal government report states.

The findings have dismayed experts who say the GM crops could be detrimental to human health and the environment.

Greenpeace Australia spokeswoman Louise Sales said she was alarmed.

"They (GM crops) lead to the creation of even stronger weeds which require even stronger pesticides," she said.