Now, starting with the NSW Farmers Association, which last week endorsed the commercial release of GM foods, state bodies are falling into line. But the NSW endorsement was far from unanimous. Clearly many farmers are uncertain of GM technology and unsure where it will lead them. Mr Roberts lobbied strongly at the farmers' annual conference to gain support for the new technology, arguing it was the only sensible position. Supporters, such as Boggabilla grain farmer Richard Clark, accused fellow delegates of spreading falsehoods, suggesting passion may have clouded their judgement.
Farmers are happy to leave questions of safety in the hands of scientists and regulators.
Profit is looming as a key issue in their take-up of GM technology. Cotton and carnations are the only commercial GM products grown in Australia. Nearly 30 per cent of the Australian cotton crop is genetically modified, a percentage limited by the Genetic Manipulation Advisory Council. In world terms soy beans, corn, cotton and canola are the main GM crops. Potential gains to farmers are available through increased yields and lower production costs.