LIGHT Regional Council will not apply to have its area made genetically modified (GM) food crop-free but will seek protection for the wine
industry.
Following a special meeting last week, council will appeal to the State Government to recognise the Barossa Geographical Indication Zone – which stretches across several councils – as a separate area eligible to become GM-free.
It follows a decision by the State Government earlier this year, to lift a freeze on GM crops so they could be grown on mainland South Australia.
For mainland SA, councils have a one-off, time-limited opportunity to apply to remain as an area in which no genetically modified food crops may be
cultivated.
“Presently the Act only allows a council to apply to have its whole area designated as an area in which no genetically modified food crops may be cultivated. However, the LRC area features grain as well as grape and wine producers,” council’s motion reads.
“Whilst not applying for its whole area, council requests that the minister review the current legislation so that parts of a council area can be designated as an area in which no
GM crops may be cultivated, such as the Barossa GI zone area, in order to enable areas outside of the designated area (such as cereal growing areas) to have the GM restrictions
removed.”
As part of a recent consultation period, the BGWA expressed concern that GM seed drift could become a pest-plant in vineyards and represent a risk to the accreditation of some businesses.
Currently, the Australian wine industry is not permitted to use GM material (either vines or microorganisms) in its production processes.
Further, no materials, additives or production aids used in the production of wine are approved for commercial use in Australia.
“The situation raised by the Barossa Grape and Wine Association (BGWA) indicates a risk to marketing and trade that the State Government may not have been aware of, affecting an international brand and an area that lies across the LRC, Mid Murray Council and the Barossa Council areas respectively,” council’s motion read.
“On this basis, LRC requests that the State Government urgently works with industry and the affected councils to understand and address wine industry concerns with respect to
impacts of introducing GM crops.”
As published in The Bunyip previously, Barossa Council is seeking to remain a GM food crop-free zone, following its own local consultation.
Meanwhile, Gawler councillor Cody Davies has put forward a motion on notice that Gawler Council join with Barossa Council in submitting an application to the minister to
remain a GM-free council area – to be discussed at the next general
meeting.