The PGA represents the interest of farmers and pastoralists from all
agricultural areas of WA, from Esperance to the Kimberley.
PGA members are major producers of agricultural export commodities
including grain, beef, sheep and wool and believe in free trade, open
markets, property rights and private enterprise.
The Pastoralists & Graziers Association of WA (Inc)
Ph: (08) 9479 4599 Fax: (08) 9277 7311
E-Mail: pga@pgaofwa.org.au
MEDIA RELEASE
11th August 2008
PGA QUERIES NATS
GM POLICY
WA's Nationals have been accused of ignoring farmers for city votes with a policy of
support for non-food GM crops only.
Pastoralists and Graziers Grains Chairman Leon Bradley said the Nationals were now
officially supporting State ALP policy by maintaining bans on crops like GM canola.
"Too bad that GM canola is the most urgently required crop in WA's grain growing
areas," he said.
"GM canola offers higher yields, more resilient production levels and advantages such
as lower herbicide, tillage and fuel costs. GM canola may not be a silver bullet for
WA's worst weed problem, annual ryegrass, but it will be one more weapon in the
armoury."
Mr Bradley said the National Party's support for GM cotton may be useful in the
Kimberley region but its lack of support for GM food crops was costly to southern
farmers.
"The Party also fails to define how GM cotton seed oil is any different from GM seed
canola oil.
"The policy is scientifically illiterate and economically destructive and is apparently
designed to appeal more to green voters than to support the real needs of West
Australian Farmers."
(Ends)
Issued by:
The PGA of W.A. (Inc.)
Further Details:
Leon Bradley ~
08 9627 5265 ~ 0428 275 152
Media Geoff Gare
08 9537 7669 ~ 0414 683 531
