GAWLER’S primary producers are almost split on whether to keep the council area as a genetically modified (GM) crop-free zone into the future.
New legislation passed this year lifted a 16-year moratorium on growing GM crops, but included a clause which allowed councils to apply to keep the ban inside their area.
In June, Gawler Council elected to seek community and local growers’ views on whether to apply to primary industries minister David Basham to keep a controversial ban on growing GM crops in place inside its jurisdiction.
The public’s responses were tabled at a council Infrastructure and Environmental Services meeting last night, with six representations in favour of maintaining the moratorium and four against it.
One submission, from Grain Producers SA chair Wade Dabinett said producers deserved the right to grow whatever seeds they believe will best benefit them.
“GPSA believes that growers should have the freedom of choice to grow the cereal, legume and oilseed varieties that best fit their farming system, including genetically modified varieties,” he said.
“Removing the GM food crop moratorium from mainland SA will enable producers to have the same freedom of choice as growers from other mainland states.
“The Australian grains industry successfully and safely manages a complex value chain, and self regulates through best‐practice farming systems and processes that effectively manage numerous segregations tailored for various markets.
“As such, growers’ choice to remain GM‐free on their farm will be retained should the moratorium be lifted.”
Committee members voted on whether to apply to remain GM crop-free at last night’s meeting – held after The Bunyip’s print deadline.
The legislation stipulates Mr Basham, who only moved into the primary industries minister role a fortnight ago, will only grant an exemption to council’s which can prove growing GM crops inside their jurisdictions would have a negative effect on market value.
A submission in support of maintaining the GM ban from the National Association for Sustainable Agriculture Australia general manager Mark Gower said lifting the moratorium would “disrupt food markets”.
“I realise not all council regions will be directly impacted by the lifting of the GM moratorium,” he said. “However, we are all South Australian and have a responsibility to look after each other.
“By all the South Australian councils standing together on this issue we will create a stronger voice to ensure the South Australian landscape remains GM-free, while securing benefits for many South Australian communities.
“Losing South Australia’s GM-free status and reputation for high-quality GM-free food products will disrupt food markers and deny many trade benefits state-wide.”
