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National Farmers' Federation

New guide charts course for agriculture’s continued adoption of new technologies

The National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) has welcomed the launch of the Agricultural Biotechnology Council of Australia’s (ABCA) fourth edition of its Official Australian Reference Guide to Agricultural Biotechnology and GM crops (the Guide). 

Launched today by Chairman of the ABCA Ken Matthews AO during his National Press Club address, the Guide, developed in conjunction with an expert national scientific panel and world leading specialists, will act as an information resource for producers and consumers alike.

The Guide, now in its fourth edition, is an essential resource for Australian farmers, providing credible, balanced, science-based information on agricultural biotechnology. 

It is vital objective information that is provided to Australians to allow for informed decisions about the application, uses and future of agricultural biotechnology in Australia.

“As a founding member of the ABCA, the NFF recognises the importance of objective and unbiased information when educating those both within the industry, and in the broader community,” NFF CEO Tony Mahar said.

“Australian farmers are already extremely efficient producers, but now more than ever we need to rely on these innovative, yet sometimes complex technologies, to ensure the safe and sustainable growth in the industry.

“Farmers are facing what seems to be a growing number of challenges as each season moves on. Extreme weather seasons, droughts, floods and even rapid changes to community expectations have seen our producers need to adapt,” Mr Mahar said.

The release of the Guide coincides with the Australian Council of Learned Academies report titled The Future of Agricultural Technologies which examines the impacts, opportunities and challenges associated with nine different technologies and their impact on agricultural production.

“Innovation underpins the crucial productivity and sustainability improvements Australian agriculture still needs to make to reach our $100 billion goal by 2030,” Mr Mahar said.

“The work done by ACOLA in highlighting the impact, opportunities and challenges of technologies, and ABCA to provide a deeper level information on one of these technologies is integral to giving Australians a better understanding of the necessity of continuing to develop and enhance our current practices.”

Media Contact
Laureta Wallace
GM, Media & Communications
0408 448 250
lwallace@nff.org.au

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