Canola refers to a cultivar of either Rapeseed (Brassica napus L.) or Field Mustard (Brassica campestris L. or Brassica Rapa var.). Its seeds are used to produce edible oil suitable for consumption by humans and livestock. The oil is also suitable for use as biodiesel.
The name "canola" was derived from "Canadian oil, low acid" in 1978. Although wild rapeseed oil contains significant amounts of erucic acid, a known toxin, the cultivar used to produce commercial, food-grade canola oil was bred to contain less than 2% erucic acid.
A genetically engineered rapeseed that is tolerant to herbicide was first introduced to Canada in 1995, and since then, genetically modified rapeseed, canola, has become a point of controversy and contentious legal battles.
The introduction of the genetically modified crop to Australia is generating considerable controversy. Canola is Australia's major oilseed crop, and also Australia’s third biggest crop, and is used often by wheat farmers as a break crop to improve soil quality. In 2003, Australia's gene technology regulator approved the release of canola altered to make it resistant to the herbicide Glufosinate ammonium (Zero or Roundup). This can encourage the evolution of weeds also resistant to existing herbicides, so farmers will be forced to use more powerful herbicides.
The Australian Oilseeds Federation gives a glowing report of the benefits of all Australian oils on its website http://www.australianoilseeds.com/australian_oils_natures_finest The website mentions nothing about genetic engineering.
I have read highly emotive literature on both sides of this debate. My conclusions so far are that there has been insufficient research into GE crops and insufficient information given to Australian people about their introduction here. From now, I will try to avoid purchasing any products containing canola oil or any other GE products, and attempt to become more informed on the subject.
That said, the flowering fields of canola looked very attractive. This field of canola was somewhere south of Gooloogong, NSW.
These fields were somewhere north of Binalong, NSW.
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