STATE Parliament has passed legislation to lift the Genetically Modified (GM) moratorium on mainland South Australia, but Limestone Coast farmers still face a wait to know whether GM crops will be permitted in the region.
The controversial bill was passed by the Lower House on Wednesday after months of controversy, with the state’s councils given six months to apply to remain a GM crop cultivation free area.
In a move that surprised the local government sector, councils have been given a key role in the future of GM crops and will be required to consult with primary producers and food manufacturers, as well as the broader community, before determining a position.
Local Government Association of South Australia president Sam Telfer last week said the peak body was developing a consistent framework for the state’s councils but ultimately a decision would need to be based on market advantage and not theoretical or ideological reasons.
Primary Industries and Regional Development Minister Tim Whetstone – who ultimately has the final say on council applications – said lifting the GM moratorium on mainland South Australia was backing farmers and researchers to grow the state’s agriculture sector and create jobs.
“After 16 years and millions of dollars in lost economic and research opportunities, it is a historic day for farmers in this state who can look forward to the choice in what they want to grow,” Mr Whetstone said.
“The decision to lift the GM moratorium followed a high-level independent expert review, extensive industry and community consultation and the recommendations of the GM Crop Advisory Committee,” he said.
“The independent review found the so-called price premiums for being GM-free were a myth and the moratorium has cost South Australian grain growers at least $33m since 2004 and will cost farmers at least a further $5m if extended to 2025.”
Despite supporting the Greens-led move to keep the ban in place, Shadow Primary Industries and Regional Development Minister Eddie Hughes said Labor had never doubted the science behind GM.
Grain Producers SA chief executive Caroline Rhodes welcomed the passage of the bill, stating it gave the sector freedom of choice.
“This bill establishes a level playing field for South Australian growers with their mainland interstate counterparts,” she said.
“While the amended bill is not in absolute alignment with GPSA’s preferred policy position, we believe this compromise model was the best opportunity to provide certainty for the industry in time for the 2021 season.
“This will hopefully be the start of an orderly transition towards removing restrictions on GM crops in SA, after 16 long years under the current moratorium.”
