GM crop ban still up in air

GRANT District Council has yet to take a formal stance on the issue of genetically modified crops.

This follows new legislation scrapping the moratorium allowing GM food crops to be grown across the state.

The only exemption is Kangaroo Island, which will remain a GM free zone.

In a report, council economic development advisor Mike Ryan said councils had the option to apply to the state to remain a GM free zone.

But he said this was only after a comprehensive consultation with primary producers and food manufacturers as well as the broader community.

“Councils have six months to apply to a select committee to retain their GM free status, with the final decision resting with the minister,” Mr Ryan said.

If a council took no action to seek a ban, he said the current moratorium banning GM crops would be automatically lifted.

At council recent meeting, elected members received and noted the report on the issue, subject to any further information being received from the Local Government Association or the State Government.