21 October 2016. Source: ABC News

Western Australia’s Genetically Modified Crops Free Areas Repeal Bill 2015 passed through State Parliament last night.

Up until now WA has been classified as a GM crops free area zone, with two exemptions, one for GM cotton in the Ord River irrigation area and the other for GM canola.

Agriculture and Food Minister Mark Lewis said the passing of the Bill gave certainty to WA farmers and investors, reduced red tape, and provided access to new opportunities and tools for grain growers to be innovative.

The minister said the passing of the Bill allowed WA growers to access new GM crops approved by the Office of the Gene Technology Regulator.

Evan Reynolds farms at Binnu on the edge of WA’s northern agricultural region and he believed the passing of the Bill opened up opportunities.

“To expand into other crops, to modify genes in other crops, it’s not just the GM canola, it’s going to give great opportunities for a lot more crops, which will create more choices for farmers,” he said…