SA farmers permitted to grow genetically modified crops, but moratorium remains on Kangaroo Island
South Australian farmers will be permitted to grow genetically modified crops from next season — except for one farming region where GM foods will still be banned.
- SA farmers lose up to $33 million as a result of GM crop ban
- Government appoints Prof Kym Anderson to review GM crop ban
- Rethink needed for SA’s ban on GM crops: MP Dr Richard Harvey
The lifting of the state’s moratorium on genetically modified crops will provide a huge boost to our farming sector, says Grain Producers SA chairman Wade Dabinett.
South Australian farmers will plant GM food crops for the first time from next season, after the State Government on Monday announced it would lift a moratorium on the practice imposed in 2004.
Mr Dabinett said local growers faced a huge restriction to their operations compared to their counterparts interstate, where GM crops were already allowed.
Mr Dabinett, who grows canola at Parilla in the Mallee, said the varieties he was allowed to use were 20 years old because of SA’s ban.
Canola, safflower and cotton are the only crops registered for genetic modification in Australia, but Mr Dabinett said SA farmers could also benefit from varieties of pasture and grain still being developed.
“We know that canola is a profitable crop suited to our climatic conditions but, unfortunately, the varieties we can grow in SA haven’t kept pace,” he said. “Hopefully we’ll see the canola crop increase in SA.
“But it’s up to the individual farmer now – it’s about freedom of choice.”
Although the ban on GM crops was imposed in 2004, they had not been grown here earlier because the industry lacked the technology.
“We’ve now put our hand up to say that in terms of research, we’re open for business in SA for every breeding option,” Mr Dabinett said.
The changes follow recommendations from an independent review by Emeritus Professor Kym Anderson.
It found the moratorium had cost SA grain growers at least $33 million since 2004.
Consultation on the changes started on Monday.
Following that, the Government will introduce regulations to lift the GM moratorium across mainland SA.
Mr Dabinett said his organisation had consistently argued that the ban offered few trade benefits to most producers.
Primary Industries Minister Tim Whetstone said the Anderson Review found the GM moratorium provided no price premium compared with neighbouring states.
Mr Whetstone said the changes would help increase farm profitability and drought resilience. It would also create job opportunities.
“Both Grain Producers South Australia and the GM Crop Advisory Committee recommended lifting the moratorium on mainland SA, while recognising that one group of producers on Kangaroo Island has an established market for non-GM canola in Japan,” Mr Whetstone said.
“Retaining the moratorium on the island will provide a chance to prove to existing markets segregation can be as successful and reliable in the SA grains industry as it is in other Australian states.”
GM Crop Watch spokeswoman Jessica Harrison said the changes would jeopardise the businesses of growers marketing their produce as organic or GM-free. It would also affect apiarists and dairy farmers.
Greens MLC Mark Parnell, who introduced a Bill in 2017 that extended the GM moratorium until 2025, said he would seek legal advice.
“The reason the Bill was passed was so the Government couldn’t unilaterally remove the moratorium,” he said.
Mr Parnell said it was particularly disappointing to think the moratorium could be lifted while a parliamentary committee inquiry into GMs was still under way.
Kangaroo Island Pure Grain chairman Neil Pontifex said the moratorium on GM crops offered a significant market advantage.
“Being GM-free is an important part of our business,” he said.
For more information, visit this link.
michelle.etheridge@news.com.au