Debate on plant genetic modification (GM) continued at a recent forum at the University of WA, again revealing the diverse issues relating to the adoption of the technology.

The Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC) encourages growers to enter the debate with scientists and marketers and avail themselves of the facts before choosing which side of the buffer zone they prefer.

While consensus is sought, the GRDC will continue its investment in biotechnology to ensure that Australia has the capacity to implement and profit from GM crops if they are adopted locally.

Of course, biotechnology is a blanket term that also covers aspects of genetic technology which can be used to speed up conventional breeding, such as molecular markers.

If Australia does not adopt GM technology, but other countries do, our breeding programs will come under pressure to compete with productivity gains abroad, putting a premium on fast, biotech methods.

With support from growers and the Federal Government, the GRDC’s investment in a $35 million functional genomics centre at Adelaide University aims to identify what genes are responsible for certain plant characteristics to aid quicker, more accurate breeding.

This insight will help breeders develop plants of specific qualities to fit markets, or even generate new markets by delivering novel products such as nutraceuticals or medicines.

Diversifying end grain markets to include the medical and health sector, or heavy industry through the production of bio-lubricants, would help growers hedge their cropping program investment against fluctuating food markets.

With or without the adoption of GM, biotechnology promises to help the grains industry branch into exciting new fields while creating higher value premium food markets.