SOUTH Australian Greens leader Mark Parnell lambasted the State Government yesterday after it announced it would lift a ban on Genetically Modified (GM) food crops next season.
The government will open mainland South Australia to the controversial farming practice following an independent review undertaken by Emeritus Professor Kym Anderson AC, but the moratorium will remain in-place on Kangaroo Island.
The review – released earlier this year – estimated the moratorium had cost the state’s grain farmers at least $33m since it was first introduced in 2004 and took into account over 200 submissions before recommending the mainland ban be removed.
Genetically modified crops have been a contentious issue in the Limestone Coast with numerous primary producers raising concerns over its potential to tarnish the region’s “clean, green” reputation, as well as potential health implications.
Mr Parnell said he planned to seek legal advice on the matter after the Greens recently passed a bill to extend the moratorium by another five years.
“I need to ascertain whether it is even legal they lift the ban as we passed a bill to extend it until 2025,” Mr Parnell told The Border Watch yesterday.
“We need to know whether they can undo something parliament has done and then go from there.
Mr Parnell said the State Government’s actions were “treating the parliament with contempt.”
“The inquiry into GM crops is still ongoing,” he said.
“They government has not even waited for the findings before announcing this.
“The parliamentary process needs to go its course before any action is taken.
“If it is then believed the ban is worth lifting, we must put it back to parliament to find out what the next step is.”
Lifting the ban will cost South Australia its title as the country’s only state free from genetically modified crops, which Mr Parnell believes will be detrimental to the state’s economy.
“Having the title of the only state without GM is worth something economically,” he said.
“Most farmers will not take on GM crops if the ban is lifted, so we will lose more than we will gain.
“I am also nervous as to how this will impact neighbouring farms who do not wish to grow GM.
“There are not any borders or anything defining them from someone who is growing GM, so they will not be able to claim GM free anymore either.”
Primary Industries and Regional Development Minister Tim Whetstone said the review found the moratorium provided no price premium compared with GM crops in neighbouring states.
“The review found 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,” Mr Whetstone said.
“Considering the future economic impact on farmers, it is time to lift the moratorium on the mainland and provide farmers choice on crops they seek to grow.
“This reform will help increase farm profitably and drought resilience, create job opportunities in our regions, grow the state’s economy and attract greater research investment.
The statutory consultation started yesterday with submissions to inform the new regulations accepted until September 30.
Visit www.pir.sa.gov.au/gmreview for more informa
