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

  • Consultation on draft National Gene Drive Policy Guide

    29 January 2024

    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 in the Stirling Ranges

    Western Australian canola industry

    1 November 2013

    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.

  • Gene technology reviews

    22 August 2017

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

  • Cotton bols on plants ready for picking

    Coexistence of different production systems

    18 February 2014

    Coexistence: Existing in mutual tolerance; Everyone’s Responsibility

  • Havesting gm canola field

    Genetically modified crops in Western Australia

    28 November 2013

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

  • Very early sown canola variety trial at Mullewa 2019, early July (Photo credit Stephanie Boyce)Very early sown canola variety trial at Mullewa 2019, early July (Photo credit Stephanie Boyce)

    Expanding the sowing window of canola; Mullewa 2019 (19GE02)

    1 April 2020

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

  • Bird net containing the five hectare GM crop trial area at New Genes for New Environments

    Institutional Biosafety Committee

    31 October 2013

    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

  • A photograph of a canola and a wheat crop on either side of a fence and sandy fire break. The canola crop is on the left and is in full flower so the photograph is dominated by the yellow of the canola flowers. On the right the green leaves of wheat seen.

    On-farm segregation of canola varieties

    31 October 2013

    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.

  • Photograph of a cotton crop at maturity. the vast expanse of the cotton crop can be seen with the dried brown stems holding up the white cotton

    Information on genetically modified organisms

    14 November 2013

    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.

  • View of the back of the cone seeder as the first trial plot is seeded of the 2012 trial program. One staff member is on the seeder while others are confirming all equipment is working properly

    Grains research facilities: New Genes for New Environments

    17 October 2013

    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

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