About biotechnology & GE sugarcane
GM Sugarcane
GM technology will allow the Australian sugarcane industry to remain globally competitive.
The sugarcane industry will develop GM technology mindful of potential impact on other landholders and users of sugarcane products.
The sugarcane industry will provide choice to producers, supply chain and consumers and will consider market options including segregation and indentity preservation where required.
What you should know- There is currently no commercial genetically-modified (GM) sugarcane in Australia
- There is wide and strong industry support for GM sugarcane adoption
- GM sugarcane technology is being developed by and for the Australian sugarcane industry
- The adopted technology will have been tested and approved by the national regulatory framework as safe for the environment and safe for humans
- GM technology provides many environmental and production advantages for farmers
- The sugarcane industry is considering its customer and consumer requirements and will develop processes accordingly
PRESS RELEASE FROM BSES:
DuPont and BSES Limited Partner to Improve Sugarcane Planting Technologies and Varieties
Alliance to Increase Productivity for Sugarcane Growers and Millers
BRISBANE, Australia, Nov. 12, 2009 — DuPont and BSES Limited announced a research, development and commercialization alliance to improve productivity and use of sugarcane varieties.
The agreement brings together DuPont’s extensive plant biotechnology expertise with BSES’s unrivalled knowledge of sugarcane breeding, cropping systems and milling. The alliance will focus on the development and delivery of technologies to improve current planting technology and agronomic practices to enable productivity growth and reduced cost of production. Terms of the agreement were not disclosed.
“We see significant opportunity to leverage our genetics and biotech trait capabilities in sugarcane,” said John Bedbrook, vice president - DuPont Agricultural Biotechnology. “BSES is the global technology leader in sugarcane, and we look forward to working with the company to enhance this very important global crop.”
DuPont, through its Crop Protection business, has strong relationships with sugarcane growers and sugarmill customers. As the leader in weed control for sugarcane, DuPont is committed to helping improve customers’ productivity and profitability.
BSES Chair Paul Wright said the agreement will define the Australian sugarcane industry’s international position well into the future.
“Comprehensive research has found that by accessing biotechnology first, the Australian sugarcane industry can retain its competitive position and build a lead role in the commercialization of biotechnology in the global sugarcane industry,” he said.
“DuPont is an excellent fit for BSES. Biotechnology is the next major science-based advance for the sugarcane industry, and together, we’ll deliver its benefits to the advantage of BSES Limited members and stakeholders,” said Wright.
Sugarcane is one of the most efficient biofuel feedstocks used commercially today.
DuPont invests more than $1 billion in research and development annually to address emerging global trends, one of which is reducing dependence on fossil fuels.
BSES Limited is the principal provider of research, development and extension to the Australian sugar industry. Formed in 1900, BSES has a long history of applying good science to problems facing sugarcane production, and developing effective solutions that benefit the whole industry. Today, BSES works closely with Australian sugarcane growers, millers, harvest contractors and government to find ways to make sugarcane production more profitable and environmentally sustainable. DuPont is a science-based products and services company. Founded in 1802, DuPont puts science to work by creating sustainable solutions essential to a better, safer, healthier life for people everywhere. Operating in more than 70 countries, DuPont offers a wide range of innovative products and services for markets including agriculture and food; building and construction; communications; and transportation.