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The AWB group
Agricultural Biotechnology
GM Wheat
GM Canola
The future
Correspondence
The AWB Group
As a market-focused company, the AWB Group is committed to capturing the greatest value for Australian grains from both international and domestic markets whilst at the same time balancing the need for Australian growers to utilise new technologies in production. A key driver for the AWB Group’s position on the commercial release of GM grain are the preferences in the final markets for Australian wheat and the efficient production of this commodity. From this position we want to ensure that if GM grain varieties are released commercially in Australia it is done so in a manner that will satisfy AWB National Pool customer requirements, which in turn would protect grower returns.
Agricultural Biotechnology
The AWB Group recognises that agricultural biotechnology offers the potential to deliver agronomic, economic, consumer and/or environmental benefits, and supports ongoing research in this area. We also acknowledge the need for the benefits of newly developed GM technologies to be demonstrated. If required this could occur through commercial trials as long as the appropriate protocols to protect the National Pool were in place. Also the AWB Group may explore the opportunities associated with biotechnology in our own research and development programs should market demand be evident.
GM Wheat
At present there is a clear market signal from international and domestic customers that strong reservations exist concerning GM wheat. None of AWB’s National Pool customers are prepared at present to purchase GM wheat. Based on AWB Group’s experience in managing the National Pool we believe there is currently insufficient capability within the supply chain to ensure complete segregation of GM and non-GM grains. Due to this lack of capability, the introduction of GM wheat in Australia could jeopardise many of our existing export markets. AWB believes that GM wheat should not be released commercially in Australia until market preferences change and/or supply chain technologies and protocols are developed that will ensure that customer requirements can be met.
GM Canola
In relation to GM canola, the AWB Group has expressed some concerns about the impact the commercial release of GM canola varieties will have on the marketing of Australian grains, particularly wheat. With approximately one-third of the AWB National Pool’s customers, Australia’s non-GM grain status is a distinct marketing advantage. Therefore before GM canola can be released commercially in Australia, the AWB National Pool requires a supply chain system that can achieve segregation of GM and non-GM grains and guarantee product integrity. We will continue to work with industry and service providers towards achieving this goal.
The Future
The AWB Group will continue to monitor market attitudes towards GM grain, including customer preferences and government regulations, and will position itself in response to market signals. Our position will be driven by our constitutional mandate to maximise returns to growers who deliver wheat to the National Pool.
Correspondence
Download letter to Professor Tim Reeves, Chairman, NSW Agricultural Advisory Council on Gene Technology by CLICKING HERE (This is a PDF file and will take approximately one minute to download)
Download letter to the Minister for Agriculture NSW, The Hon. Ian Macdonald MLA by CLICKING HERE (This is a PDF file and will take approximately one minute to download)
Download letter to the Minister for Agriculture Vic, The Hon Bob Cameron MLA by CLICKING HERE (This is a PDF file and will take approximately one minute to download)
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