THE IMPACTS OF STATE-BASED MORATORIUMS ON INVESTMENT, INNOVATION AND AUSTRALIA'S FUTURE IN AGRICULTURAL BIOTECHNOLOGY

摘要

Australian agricultural biotechnology is at a 'cross-roads'. Highlighted as the top area of national strength in biotechnology research (Commonwealth of Australia 2003) and recognised globally, agricultural biotechnology and the investment, innovationand skills that underpin it are in crisis. Five Australian states have placed moratoriums on the development of genetically modified (GM) food crops for the next two to four years despite their strategic plans to develop the biotechnology industry as awhole This sends a confused and uncertain message to the global community and investors in Australian innovation, as the moratoriums go against both National safety assessments and global trends.