Published by Australian Academy of Science
Useful sites | More food, cleaner food – gene technology and plants

Gene technology in Australia (CSIRO Australia)

An introduction to gene technology – techniques, uses, concerns and regulations. There is a 'News' section with updates.
http://genetech.csiro.au/

Genetic engineering (University of Adelaide, Australia)

This site covers the basics of plant genetic engineering, and gives some examples of the use of genetic engineering in plant pest control.
http://www.adelaide.edu.au/agcareers/Content/TeacherResources/PestControl/Genetic.htm

Biotechnology fact sheets (Biotechnology Australia, Commonwealth Government)

A broad range of information sheets about biotechnology in Australia (eg, 'Biotechnology and food' and 'Gene technology techniques').
http://www.biotechnology.gov.au/index.cfm?event=object.showContent&objectID=F6C33ACE-BCD6-81AC-1FD796E193C1D74E

Global responses to GM food technology: Implications for Australia (Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation, Australia)

Gives the Australian perspective on the global market place for GM food and products.
http://www.rirdc.gov.au/reports/GLC/05-016.pdf

Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries

• What's in the pipeline? Genetically modified crops under development in Australia
  Identifies a selection of GM crops under development in Australia and discusses significant barriers and bottlenecks to commercialisation.
  http://www.affashop.gov.au/PdfFiles/what_s_in_the_pipeline_-_full_report__2_.pdf

• Genetically modified crops in Australia: The next generation
  Highlights the key findings of the study.
  http://www.affa.gov.au/content/publications.cfm?ObjectID=17D7E073-2B1C-4B6C-89276D6DD41DA84D

Genetic engineering and agriculture: Australian farming at the crossroads (Parliament of Australia)

An excellent overview of the situation in Australia regarding genetically modified organisms. This November 1999 paper covers areas such as farmers' attitudes, labelling and environmental impacts.
http://www.aph.gov.au/library/pubs/rp/1999-2000/2000rp08.htm

Designer seeds (Beyond Discovery, National Academy of Sciences, USA)

Uses genetically engineered crops as an example to show how basic research in science can lead to practical results. (A PDF file of the complete article is available.)
http://www.beyonddiscovery.org/content/view.article.asp?a=167

Australian Broadcasting Corporation

• The DNA files – designing the garden: Food in the age of biotechnology (The Science Show, 21 June 2008)
  A discussion of developments in food biotechnology.
  http://www.abc.net.au/rn/scienceshow/stories/2008/2277054.htm

• GM food and the eye of the beholder (Ockham's Razor, 28 September 2003)
  Looks at the history of the genetic modification of plants and why GM seed could benefit developing countries.
  http://www.abc.net.au/rn/science/ockham/stories/s953676.htm