KOONARA Wines owner Dru Reschke has struck out at the State Government’s reversal of a ban on genetically modified (GM) food crops, saying it poses dangerous health risks.
The prominent winemaker expressed concern for the well-being of farm workers using GM crops and said the chemicals used were dangerous in large quantities.
Conceding some potential dangers of Round-up treated GM crops were unknown, Mr Reschke urged the community to learn more about the risks and make their concerns known to parliament.
“Having such a large amount of antibiotics sprayed in such massive quantities is a much bigger issue than even antibiotics given to animals,” Mr Reschke said.
“It takes less than a tenth of a part per million to be deadly to the probiotics in yogurt lactobacillus and other beneficial bacteria for the gut.”
Mr Reschke said he was not concerned about potential cross-contamination as it would not be an issue for vineyards.
However, he said cross-contamination would “certainly” be problematic with crops as GM seeds stay at the property.
He said the potential spray drift from GM crops around the region could affect local crops.
Last week, the State Government opened mainland South Australia to the farming practice after an independent review recommended it should be lifted.
According to the review, the ban has cost the state’s grain farmers $33m since its introduction in 2004.
More than 200 submissions were taken into consideration.
Member for MacKillop Nick McBride has publicly backed the ban removal and said it provided farmers to have more choice on the crops.
“There is evidence from the independent review the moratorium has meant the farm industry and research sector has forgone many millions of dollars of both production and research opportunities,” he said.
The Liberal MP said the ban had “unfairly impacted” the region’s ability to grow the agriculture sector.
His comments were supported by some of Australia’s peak agricultural groups, with the National Farmers’ Federation declaring the decision to lift the moratorium as a win.
