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GM cotton trials for struggling sugar belt
13 Apr 2004
Sugarcane farmers may get approvals within a week to test genetically modified cotton on the Burdekin River. Queensland Cotton has received seven suitable applications from cane farmers to grow Bollgard II. About 20 sites in northern Australia around Broome, Kununurra and Katherine are already trialling Bollgard.
Field trials elsewhere have shown that Bollgard crops need 75 per cent less pesticide than conventional cotton varieties.
The North Queensland Conservation Council immediately attacked the move, saying it would expose the nearby Great Barrier Reef to more pesticides and herbicides. The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority confirmed Queensland Cotton has approached it to discuss the plans, but said it has no position on the matter and the GBRMPA doesn't have any jurisdiction over land-based development.
The Courier-Mail, 13/4/04, page 6.
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