Genetic modification

The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development conducts research, development and extension activities in collaboration with industry partners to improve the productivity and profitability of Western Australian agriculture sector.

The department is part of the nationally consistent regulatory system that underpins and enhances Australia's and Western Australia's use of safe regulatory approved genetically modified organisms.

The value of Australia’s production and export of produce is dependent on maintaining the competitiveness of WA agriculture producers. Growers need access to the most productive new crop varieties to maintain their international competitiveness and genetic modification is a type of plant breeding that can deliver new improved varieties.

Articles

  • The Third Review (the Review) of the National Gene Technology Scheme (Scheme), endorsed by all Australian governments on 11 October 2018, recommended “clarifying, and where necessary strengthening,

  • Canola is an important crop in Western Australia, with production over the last five years estimated at 2.2 million tonnes worth around $1.2 billion to the state economy each year.

  • Progress to date of third review of the National Gene Technology Scheme 2017 and Technical Review of the Gene Technology Regulations 2001.

  • Coexistence: Existing in mutual tolerance; Everyone’s Responsibility

  • This page contains information on commercial and experimental plantings of genetically modified (GM) crops carried out in the past and present in Western Australia.

  • Traditionally ANZAC day marked the date on which growers in Western Australia would start dry seeding.

  • The Institutional Biosafety Committee monitors all dealings with genetically modified organisms that involve the staff and research facilities of the Department of Primary Industries and Regional D

  • Growers planning to deliver to the non-genetically modified canola segregation (CAN), must separate glyphosate-tolerant and non-glyphosate tolerant canola crops by at least five metres.

  • Genetic modification (GM) is the use of modern biotechnology techniques to change the genes of an organism, such as a plant or animal. Their use is highly regulated in Australia.

  • New Genes for New Environments research facilities at Merredin and Katanning provide relevant field conditions for genetically modified crop evaluation trials in Western Australia under contrasting