War of the roses

By Sarah Thompson
COUNCILLORS are outraged after a decision was made to allow the trial of genetically modified roses to take place in the Yarra Ranges.
Despite council’s 2001 policy that opposes the introduction of genetically modified crops in the shire, the Gene Technology Regulator will allow Japanese multinational company Florigene Suntori to grow the blue rose at Australian Roses in Silvan.
Yarra Ranges mayor Monika Keane is disappointed that the gene technology regulator has disregarded the council’s submission against the trial, and believes the ‘clean and green’ reputation of the shire is being risked for the rose.
“Yarra Ranges agricultural produce is regarded as some of the finest in the world.
“A new genetically modified rose is simply not worth the very real threat producing it poses to our agricultural and horticultural procedures and to the region’s precious biodiversity,” she said.
Councillor Samantha Dunn is also disappointed at the obvious disregard for the council’s standing on the issue, and is worried about the environmental issues the rose may provide.
“The decision puts at risk our floroculture, which generates $390 million per year for the shire.”
According to Ms Dunn, who received figures from the centre for eBusiness and communications at Swinburne University, horticultural production is worth an estimated $710 million per annum in the shire, with orchard and berry fruit worth $110 million and cut-flower sectors worth an estimated $390 million.
“The council’s objection to GMOs is not just based on philosophical concerns; we have major concerns on scientific grounds and the potential impact on our farmers and horticultural industries.
“Not enough is known about the potential effects of a genetically modified rose on insect life, including native and exotic pollinating insects, its potential for recombinant viruses and the level of gene flow with other rose cultivators and potential weediness from altered genes.”
Ms Dunn is encouraging the local community to come forward with their thoughts on the issue.
“I think we will find enormous community outrage and I will be encouraging the community to make sure that their opposition to the trial is heard loud and clear,” she said.