WA Government partners with Monsanto

The WA State Government’s push for GM crops became clearer this week when Minister Redman released a statement saying that our state cereal breeding company, InterGrain, has joined with Monsanto, which has acquired a 19.9 % minority interest.

InterGrain says it intends to remain an independent provider of new grain varieties for all Australian farmers. But Monsanto's Peter O'Keefe says it can guarantee buying out more of the company in the future.

This was reported on the ABC, which included a podcast. Click on the link and listen to the actual interview as Skye Shannon speaks with Brian Whan, Intergrain and Peter O’Keefe, Monsanto and listen to the end remarks of the podcast! (from 4:40)
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Why should we be opposed to GM wheat?

- Intergrain intends to ultimately provide new GM seed only
- This will remove non GM choice for farmers and consumers
- There are no markets open to GM wheat.
- GM wheat will have to be labelled
- There is consumer rejection of GM foods
- Price penalties of up to 40% could result.
- Desired traits can be developed in non GM varieties.
- Possibility of larger (major?) Intergrain ownership by Monsanto
- GM crops have not increased yield (GM soy has 10% decrease)
- GM canola uptake has been poor (still less than 8% over east) so cannot be used as a model.