Aussie states lift genetic crops ban

MELBOURNE, Nov. 27 (UPI) -- The state governments of Victoria and New South Wales in Australia have lifted a ban on farmers growing genetically modified canola.

The Australian Broadcasting Corp. said a review commissioned by the Victorian government concluded there are no great health or environmental risks from ending a four-year ban next February.

Victorian Premier John Brumby says the decision will bring economic benefits to farmers who can now maximize their yields and compete on the international market.

Similar sentiments were expressed by New South Wales Primary Industries Minister Ian MacDonald who said farmers in his state will now be on a level playing field with those overseas because genetically modified canola accounts for 70 percent of the global canola market.

But Scott Kinnear, director of Biological Farmers Australia, questioned the decision, saying winds can carry modified seeds into non-modified seed areas.