A MAJORITY of Playford Council residents are against genetically modified (GM) crops growing in the area, according to a public consultation survey.
In June, the council elected to ask its residents whether they opposed the controversial crops being grown in Playford, after the State Government ended a 16-year moratorium on their cultivation earlier this year.
The legislation which ended the moratorium included a clause which allowed councils to apply to the primary industries minister for an exemption, meaning the crops would remain banned.
Playford Council discussed the results of the public consultation process at a Strategic Planning Committee meeting last night – after The Bunyip’s print deadline.
According to the report, 60 per cent of respondents were in favour of continuing the moratorium, while 32 per cent were against and eight per cent unsure.
Councils have been told Mr Basham and the newly-formed GM crop Advisory Committee will only consider applications on the basis of marketing and trade impacts.
The report stated while many primary producers expressed concerns over the impact on their marketing and trade potential, “very limited” evidence had been supplied to substantiate the claims.
Nevertheless, staff recommended applying to keep the moratorium in place to keep in line with the community’s views, noting the final decision rested with Mr Basham.
Local primary producer Ken Carypidis, in a submission to the public consultation process, said there would be “undeniable damage” caused if GM crops are allowed to be grown.
“Australian food is regarded as being grown in a clean and natural environment,” he said.
“We run the risk of losing our reputation for high quality GM-free products and disrupting market and trade opportunities.
“(Currently) businesses in SA do not need to spend any money marketing their products as GM-free.
“The lift (of the moratorium) will see business continuously have to demonstrate or prove that their products are GM-free.”
GM crops have been allowed to be planted since the ban was ended in May, but the nature of growing seasons means farmers are unlikely to utilise them until next year.
In another submission Jamie Wilson, an agronomist who works in the Playford area, said there would be no negative market impact to the region.
“There are also developing technologies that could allow the City of Playford to develop and be involved such as GM algae for biofuel and bio-oil production, GM plants for vaccine production and many more (are) currently being tested and (are) undergoing regulatory approval,” he said.