THE GOVERNMENT is considering introducing measures that will increase biosecurity for organic farmers worried about cross-contamination with genetically-modified crops.

Environment minister Elliot Morley told journalists at the Royal Show on Tuesday (July 6) that the government‘s consultation on co-existence of GM and non-GM crops was due out later this month.

“I have seen the final draft and we will be launching it shortly,” said Mr Morley.

“It‘s main purpose is to find views on how we can maintain the 0.9% threshold laid down by the European Parliament.”

The consultation will ask how this can be achieved, and also whether measures should be introduced so that the organic sector can achieve a lower threshold.

It will also address the question of who should be liable if levels of GM material in non-GM crops are unintentionally exceeded.