Anti-GM activists have protested outside the opening of a genetically modified technology conference in Melbourne.
They bought along about 10 bags of what they say was GM canola found along roadsides.
They also had a bouquet of GM canola, which was to be presented to Victorian Agriculture Minister Joe Helper.
"GM co-existence is a con and is impossible. Segregation doesn't work. We collected this canola from the road side and it proves out point," says one of the protesters, Catherine Moore.
Bob Phelps, the executive director of Gene Ethics, an organisation which opposes GM technology, says he wants to give the 10 bags of GM canola "volunteers" back to biotechnology company Monsanto.
Monsanto says volunteers are a part of agricultural production and pose no threat to the environment.
A spokeswoman says volunteers can be easily controlled with other herbicides, slashing or mowing.
Meanwhile, Mr Helper opened the conference by saying biotechnology is part of a climate change solution.
"The growth of production is underpinned by science and biotechnology," he said.
Source: abc.com
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