Lifting of GM transport ban creates significant savings for business
South Australia’s GM crop moratorium meant transport companies were being forced into the Northern Territory to deliver seed across the country – but that’s now changed.
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Genetically modified seeds will be able to travel through South Australia for the first time, despite the state’s farmers not being able to grow them.
GenTech Seeds will be able to transport GM canola seed from New South Wales to Western Australia via SA in an efficiency saving for the grains industry.
This has been made possible under a Ministerial Exemption granted under the Genetically Modified Crops Management Act 2004.
Primary Industries Minister Tim Whetstone said GenTech Seeds will now be allowed to transport GM seeds on SA roads under controlled conditions which still comply with the state’s moratorium.
“In just another example of how outdated the GM moratorium is here in our state, as it currently stands transport companies are unable to travel with GM seeds through SA without a Ministerial Exemption,” he said.
“Up until now the industry has had to put seed on boats travelling around Australia, or to drive trucks via the Northern Territory, to move GM seeds from the east and west coasts. For a globally focused exporting industry, the grains sector cannot afford such an expense and inefficiency.”
Australian Seed Federation general manager Osman Mewett said members of the organisation involved with GM production estimate the transport ban added an average extra cost of $4000 per 20 tonne truck, so there should be cost savings for farmers from the ban being lifted.
“At the end of the day, additional costs are passed on to end-users,” he said.
“While there’s still quite strict conditions (on transporting GM seed through SA), they’re conditions we can work with.”
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Mr Whetstone said the transport exemption includes conditions such as having seed securely sealed and travelling in a clearly marked container to ensure compliance with the SA GM moratorium.
“GenTech Seeds GM canola seed will be transported directly from Narromine in regional New South Wales to a nominated depot in Perth, WA. GO Resources have also obtained approval for their proposed transport protocol when they next seek an exemption to transport safflower seed from WA to Victoria, expected in late 2020,” he said.
The transport exemption has been considered and supported by the SA GM Advisory Committee, in accordance with State legislation.