Genetically modified canola welcomed by SA farmers after 16 year long ban lifted
Farmers are ready to harvest the rewards of South Australia’s first genetically modified crop in what is expected to be a record breaking season.
Port Lincoln
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An Eyre Peninsula farmer is one of many South Australians experimenting with genetically modified crops and is expecting to reap the rewards of an estimated record breaking season.
Third generation farmer Jarrod Phelps opted to sow both regular and GM canola earlier this year after a 16-year-long moratorium was lifted in 2020.
After the state government released a ban on genetically modified cropping last May, 23,440ha of GM canola was planted across SA in early 2021.
The EP has strong reputation for canola production but weed like ryegrass prove problematic for the region’s crops.
Mr Phelps, who is now growing Bayer TruFlex canola on his Cummins property, said the legalisation of GM cropping had made the issue more manageable.
“This is a challenge I know many growers across Australia are faced with,” Mr Phelps said.
“TruFlex has provided us with a valuable tool as part of an integrated approach to weed management.”
Ahead of harvest, Mr Phelps said trialling GM canola played pivotal in his successful season but it was crucial to separate the two varieties to ensure the integrity of supply-chains.
“Our plan is to continue to grow cereals, pulses and canola in our rotation to best utilise all chemistry as effectively and sustainably as possible, along with harvest weed seed control techniques to strive for best practice weed control,” he said.
“Ensuring there’s no contamination between GM and non-GM canola is a big deal for all growers – and something that I want to ensure I manage effectively for my sake and my neighbours.
“For this reason, I intend to harvest our non-GM canola first, before starting on my GM canola to avoid contamination from grain handling equipment.
“Maintaining sustainable practices is key to protecting the future of our region’s canola crops.”
While some EP growers are already harvesting, others are still preparing for what is estimated to be the “most valuable” season on record according to primary industries minister David Basham.
“After the late arrival of opening rains in mid-June, above average rainfall in July has significantly contributed towards crop establishment and replenished soil moisture reserves,” Minister Basham said.
According to 2021-22 crop and pasture reports the season is expected to reach a farmgate value of $2.8b recognising “exceptionally high global prices for canola and lentils and higher prices for wheat”.
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