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Contamination risks

GE crop trial, easily recognised because of the buffer zone.

This GE crop trial is easily recognised because of the buffer zone.

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Proponents of genetic engineering (GE)suggest that GE and non-GE crops can be grown side-by-side merely by using 'segregation' in the crop production process.

However, contamination by GE crops can occur at numerous stages, such as:

  • Cross-pollination of crops in the field
  • Direct seed movement in the field
  • Co-mingling and contamination during harvesting and handling
  • Co-mingling at other points in the supply chain.

The introduction of commercial GE food crops will have serious and irreversible impacts on farmers and others in the farming supply chain.

Even if every person in crop supply chains acts in line with segregation regulations at all times, contamination would still undoubtedly occur. In this way segregation is, in practical terms, impossible.

Cross-pollination

Canola is known as a particularly ‘promiscuous’ plant and thus poses extreme risks of cross-pollination. An Adelaide University study found that cross-pollination rates of approximately 0.01 per cent occurred as far as 2.6 kilometres away from the source.

Shortcomings within the study mean the rate of cross-pollination in a commercial context have been underestimated. The study ignores the accumulative effect of contamination from many different GE fields. It also assumes that the pollination dynamics are the same for GE canola as conventional canola – even though other research shows GE crops can have a much higher propensity to cross-pollinate.

Canola contamination facts

  • A canola plant can produce between 5,000 and 10,000 seeds.
  • Canola seeds can lie dormant for up to 10 years.
  • An average paddock of canola will typically contain approximately 60 plants per square metre.
  • 60 plants per square metre equals 600,000 plants per hectare.
  • A cross-pollination rate of 0.01 per cent means 0.01per cent of 600,000, which amounts to 60 GE plants per hectare at a distance of 2.6km away.

     

Cost to non-GE supply chains

If even a small percentage of the Australian canola crop is planted with GE, all growers supplying the GE market will require a tracking system known as 'identity preservation'. This system will place a cost burden on the agriculture, making Australian produce less competitive.

The Australian Bureau of Agricultural Research and Economics (ABARE) estimates the 10 per cent extra cost on crops will be borne by all growers – including those that are non-GE. Identity preservation will also be required during the harvesting and handling process, as well as in the stockfeed and food manufacturing industries.

The Australian Grain Harvesters Association, the Australian Wheat Board, Twynam Agricultural Group and the Australian Barley Board have all strongly opposed the release of GE canola.