The State Parliament of Western Australia has passed legislation to underpin the State's grain industry's GM-free status.

This week's passage of the Genetically Modified Crops Free Areas Act 2003 means areas of the State can now be formally designated GM-free - prohibiting the growing of genetically modified crops.

The Act enables the Agriculture Minister to issue an order that covers the whole of the State or a specific part of the State.

Agriculture Minister Kim Chance said an order would be made where it was necessary to supply the State's reputation as a clean, green source of agricultural products

"Our markets and good reputation could be seriously damaged if the introduction of GM crops is allowed before adequate segregation and identity preservation systems are in place," Mr Chance said.

Mr Chance announced a five-year moratorium on production of GM crops in Western Australia just after coming to office in May 2001.

"The Act will give effect to that moratorium which will remain until we can be certain that any risk to the State's agricultural markets is adequately addressed," he said.

Under the new legislation it would be an offence to cultivate a commercial GM crop in an area that was designated by Ministerial order to be GM-free for that crop.

The legislation does not prohibit contained laboratory research or field trials of GM crops that are subject to stringent licensing conditions and extensive monitoring by the Gene Technology Regulator.

The legislation also provides for exemptions from an order to be granted.

Mr Chance said the legislation passed through Parliament with the support of all parties because of the importance of the State's valuable agricultural markets.

"While I believe no-one is opposed to new technology research and development per se, a cautious approach is needed to ensure access to protect our important grain export markets," the Minister said.