GENETIC MODIFICATION OF CROPS FOR THE ORD RIVER IRRIGATION AREA OF NORTH WEST WESTERN AUSTRALIA

This unit is about the hopeful return of two broad acreage crops - cotton and sugar in the stage 2 and stage 3 of the Ord River Irrigation Area. It follows the early enthusiasm that occurred when the ORIA was first farmed. The hope was that crops of rice, cotton and sugar would be significant foundation crops. In turn, each of these crops failed and were, for various reasons, abandoned. Find out why. Despite setbacks there were some farmers, soil scientists and plant geneticists who believed that the environmental problems ending the days of cotton production could be overcome. Through experimental farms and seed modification in laboratories a cotton genetically modified cotton seed variety (Bollgard 3) was developed. Find out why this seed type is the hope for the reintroduction of cotton on ORIA Stage 2 and 3 areas. Those interested in Sugar production (Australian and Overseas) have visited the planned stage 2 and 3 areas. There are proposals to build a sugar refinery on the banks of the Ord River near the river mouth. This unit is about recover and possible reappearance of crops that the initial planners regarded as vital for the overall success of ORIA. It is a developing story and provides opportunity for students to search for updates. The attachments are included to give flexibility of approach to a story that has significance for a major development in Australia’s tropical north. Your students may recognise the sense of despair and hope experienced by those involved in Oria.