NCF lose contact with reality when talking canola agronomics

Network of Concerned Farmers are now trying to deny that well known yield drag in triazine resistant TT-canola does not exist, and that hybrid-vigour advantages from Bayer GM canola don't exist either.

But what is really strange is how the ABC can keep a straight face reporting such nonsense as news:

More support for GM canola
ABC Rural News, Australia, Tuesday, 06/11/2007

Another report has been released backing the introduction of genetically modified canola.

Melbourne University says the grains industry is missing out on a multi-million dollar windfall because it cannot grow the crop.

The study says average canola yields would increase, because farmers would use 640 tonnes less herbicide each year.

Co-author Dr Rob Norton says there are herbicide-resistance problems with the triazine-tolerant canola now used by many farmers.

"Over 60 per cent of Australian canola is TT-canola and as a result, if you substitute out that you have a significant yield benefit just be retiring TT-canola, as well as other benefits such as earlier weed control," he says.

"So the varietial issues are one thing, but the yield benefit comes from substituting older TT types with the newer varieties".

But Julie Newman from the Network of Concerned Farmers says the claimed economic benefits are not there.

"These gentlemen should know better, they are agronomists and they are pushing for advantages that are just not there.

"Why would you get an increase in canola production?

"All we are being offered is a chemical-resistant canola, the same as our chemical resistant canolas that are non-GM".


Update:

• CSU 5-year rotation study puts RR canola ahead