The following is a transcript from the ABC National Rural News that is
broadcast daily to all states on ABC Regional Radio's Country Hour and
on ABC Radio National.
Non Genetic Canola Trade Advantage
Tuesday, 24/10/00
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Australia's status as a producer of non genetically modified canola has
put it ahead of its main international competitor.
The European Union is planning to buy Australian canola this harvest,
rather than the genetically modified product from Canada.
Clint Munroe, from Riverland Oilseeds, Victoria's second largest canola
crusher, believes Europe is looking to buy up to half a million tonnes
from Australia.
Clint Munroe I think it's going to have a great impact for Australian
farmers this season, having a GMO free canola crop, and the reason is
that European supplies have fallen at the end of their season and they
will require extra canola, they can't buy it from Canada because their
crop is GMO, so I think Australia might export between three and five
hundred thousand tonnes to Europe this season. And that'll have a great
impact and increase prices for Australian farmers.
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"...the [US] government is angry at how ineffective Starlink has made its
[GM] regulations look, and Aventis is scared stiff over the massive liability potential."