LOCAL farmers are growing tired of the political tug-of-war taking place over the status of genetically modified (GM) crops in South Australia, while a group of local businesses have banded together to support continuing the ban on the controversial produce.
Last Wednesday, the State Government had its third attempt to end South Australia’s moratorium on GM crop cultivation blocked by a coalition of the Greens, Labor and SA-BEST in the upper house.
Almost immediately, primary industries minister Tim Whetstone announced another round of State Government regulations to end the ban, which are expected to again be blocked in the Legislative Council.
The battle has created increasing uncertainty for local farmers, who have been told by Grain Producers South Australia (GPSA) to refrain from planting GM crops while the political stoush plays out.
Mallala farmer Richard Konzag said GM crop technology was confirmed to improve health and production outcomes.
“It’s not a question of food safety anymore. That’s been proven,” he said.
“The moratorium was introduced because there was potential marketing advantages for South Australia.
“There has been several reports showing there is no advantage and there’s actually been a disadvantage to grain growers because of the moratorium.”
GPSA, the state’s peak body for grain growers, has called for parliament to come to a consensus and end the ban, but a group of South Australian businesses have now come together to support keeping the state GM-free.
Local food manufacturers, including the Barossa’s Maggie Beer, Tucker’s Natural, BD Paris Creek Farms, San Remo and Johnny’s Popcorn made a plea to premier Steven Marshall to support keeping the moratorium until 2025.
Tucker’s Natural owner Sam Tucker said the push to lift the GM ban “is not about improved benefits to farmers, but corporate profits”.
“This is a moment in time when as an industry we have the opportunity of guiding and protecting our state’s future against the greed and power of three very large international chemical companies that have an undesirable hold on seed markets globally,” he said.
“This will only start with GM canola and then it will be open the flood gates to other GM Federal approved crops including fruit and vegetables.
“If the World Health Organisation dedicates a full page to GM foods and their assessment, then alarm bells should be ringing.”
