Question On Notice No. 633 asked in the Legislative Council on 21 November 2013 by Hon Lynn Maclaren
Question Directed to the: Minister for Agriculture and Food
Question Directed to: Hon K.C. Baston
Parliament: 39 Session: 1
Question
(1) How are purchasers of Genetically Modified (GM) canola seed informed of the origin of the seed?
(2) If GM canola growers sign a grower agreement with Monsanto, why are they unable to trace where the seed originated from?
(3) In the event of seed stock not germinating, is the department able to issue a general recall?
(4) If yes to (3), how does the department issue the recall?
(5) If no to (3), why not?
(6) What is the process for analysing the cause of defective GM canola seed stock?
(7) For GM canola seed stock that originates from Australia, what was the amount for each state of origin for the years:
(a) 2010;
(b) 2011;
(c) 2012; and
(d) 2013?
(8) For GM canola seed stock that does not originate from Australia, what was the amount for each country of origin for the years:
(a) 2010;
(b) 2011;
(c) 2012; and
(d) 2013?
Answered on 5 December 2013
(1-2) The Department of Agriculture and Food (DAFWA) is not a purchaser of GM canola seed but understands the Australian Seed Federation National Code of Practice requires seed to be labelled with a batch or lot number which allows tracing of the seed. In addition, Australian Customs regulations require imported agricultural seeds to be marked with the name of the country in which they were produced.
(3) No
(4) Not applicable
(5) DAFWA has no legislative responsibility to recall seed. Seed purchase is a private commercial arrangement between purchaser and seller.
(6) The process is the responsibility of the owner of the seed.
(7-8) DAFWA does not have this information and suggest that the Hon. Member contact the seller of the seed.