The new Chair of the Agricultural Biotechnology Council of Australia (ABCA), Ms Fiona Simson, today hosted her first Council meeting held at Parliament House in Canberra.  The Council meeting brought together leaders from across Australia’s farming, agricultural, biotechnology and scientific sectors to discuss the importance of biotechnology innovations for the sustainability and productivity of Australian agriculture.

The meeting was officially opened by Assistant Minister for Health and Aged Care, Assistant Minister for Indigenous Health, Assistant Minister for Women, the Hon Rebecca White MP.  ABCA members discussed the challenges facing Australian agriculture, including climate variability, global food and nutritional security, evolving expectations, and the need to maintain Australia’s international competitiveness through continued access to innovation.

Ms Simson said, “Australian farmers are being asked to produce more food, more sustainably and with greater resilience than ever before. Agricultural biotechnology plays a critical role in helping farmers respond to changing environmental conditions while continuing to deliver safe, affordable and nutritious food.”

The Council welcomed recent regulatory developments, including the release of Food Standards Australia New Zealand’s updated guidance to definitions for genetically modified food and novel DNA, and reaffirmed the importance of completing the reforms arising from the Third Review of the National Gene Technology Scheme.

“As the national coordinating body for agricultural biotechnology in Australia, I am proud of the impact ABCA has had since its establishment in 2012. For more than a decade, ABCA has supported informed discussion on biotechnology, innovation and regulatory policy.

“Australia has earned a strong reputation for science-based policy and regulation in agriculture. The Council supports regulatory frameworks that keep pace with vital new technologies to allow continued growth in productivity, sustainability and competitiveness of Australian agriculture and exports,” Ms Simson concluded.

The Council reaffirmed its commitment to supporting evidence-based policymaking, strengthening public understanding of agricultural biotechnology, and ensuring Australia remains a global leader in agricultural innovation. Through collaboration between industry, researchers, regulators and government, biotechnology will continue to play an important role in helping Australia meet future food security, sustainability and productivity challenges.