GAWLER Council is set to spend $20,000 to engage an external consultant to investigate the economic implications of growing genetically (GM) modified crops in its jurisdiction.
At a meeting of council’s Infrastructure and Environmental Services (IES) committee last Tuesday night, members were presented with the views of local primary producers and industry bodies on whether the controversial crops should be grown in Gawler.
New legislation passed this year lifted a 16-year ban on growing GM crops in the state, but included a clause which allowed councils to apply to primary industries minister David Basham to keep the ban in place inside its jurisdiction.
Mr Basham will assess the application solely on economic merit and not on the personal beliefs of local farmers and residents.
The IES committee, after hearing from local farmers, voted to engage an external consultant to complete a report into the economic consequences of growing GM crops in Gawler.
The findings are set to be tabled in September, where council will decide whether to apply for an exemption from the legislation or whether to allow GM cultivation.
During debate at the meeting, councillor Diane Fraser wanted the council to petition to remain GM-free.
“We were told asbestos was alright, then we were told later down the track that it’s cancerous,” she said.
“On freedom of choice, if you want don’t want to grow GM crops and your next door neighbour does, you’ve got no freedom of choice because before you know it you have GM crops (too).
“We really need to think about this very seriously.”
Nearby councils will be invited to participate in the study, with council open to forming a joint petition to create a GM-free area if the report recommends as such.
Barossa, Light Regional and Playford councils are currently holding, or have completed, public consultation periods on the issue, while Adelaide Plains Council has elected to allow GM crops to be grown in its area.
Councillor Jim Vallelonga, speaking against the motion, said farmers deserved freedom of choice to grow what they like.
“I have no problem with organic farms; I reckon they’re marvellous,” he said.
“But we’ve got a freedom of choice in this country and I believe we should have that freedom (to grow GM crops) here too.”
