Coexistence of different production systems

Page last updated: Monday, 13 July 2020 - 5:02pm

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Coexistence: Existing in mutual tolerance; Everyone’s Responsibility

Western Australian growers have the choice to use a wide range of production systems to generate products that meet their customer specifications. To support coexistence, growers need to consider their system and implement risk management strategies to minimise any potential negative impacts to other growers.

Requirements of different production systems

Certified organic, biodynamic, non-GM and GM production systems all have specific requirements as outlined in Table 1. To assist in managing various systems that may be within close proximity, growers should discuss individual production system requirements with their neighbours. The proforma letter (see: Coexistence letter) can be used to help you initiate a discussion with your neighbours.

Risk management

In agricultural production systems animal, plant and soil material can move from one property to another via a number of mechanisms. Similarly, agricultural inputs such as fertilisers and pesticides can affect non-intended targets.

Table 1 Summary of the main production system requirements for certified organic (or biodynamic), non-GM and GM production systems
Requirement Certified Organisation
(or biodynamic)*
Non-GM GM
Accredited production system Standards and certification requirements*
  • None required
  • Accreditation training
    Licence and Stewardship Agreement

Notification requirements

     
  • Neighbours
  • Yes
  • None required
  • Recommended
  • Statutory authorities
    (eg. Western Power, local authorities
  • Yes
  • None required
  • Recommended
Property and farm system requirements     Must comply with, and document compliance with licence conditions
  • Pesticides
  • Only permitted substances
  • No specific exclusions
  • No specific exclusions
  • Fertilisers
  • Only permitted inputs
  • No specific exclusions
  • No specific exclusions
  • GM material
  • Not permitted
  • Np specific exclusions
  • No specific exclusions
Market threshold(s) in produce      
  • Pesticides
  • Yes (check certifier standards)
  • Yes (industry standard)
  • Yes (industry standard)
  • GM material
  • Not permitted in product or on farm
  • Must contain less than industry threshold for GM presence (0.9%)
  • No specific exclusions
Consequence of exceeding market threshold
  • Loss of organic market
  • Possible certification suspension of affected land until risk is minimised
  • Loss of non-GM market
  • Loss of market

* Individual organic/biodynamic certifiers in Australia may have slightly different requirements

Contact information

Genetic Modification Policy and Regulation