A LOCAL council will move to support allowing farmers to grow genetically modified (GM) crops within its district to assist economic growth in the agriculture and horticulture sectors.
The Mid Murray Council (MMC) – in line with all SA councils – consulted with its community and the district’s primary production and food processing industries on the option of whether or not to apply to be a non-GM designated area.
MMC Mayor Dave Burgess said council voted last week in line with the majority views of the community and the local farming sector to write to the Primary Industries and Regional Development Minister to support the lifting of the GM moratorium in the district.
“Our district’s agricultural and horticultural sectors have weathered significant challenges in recent years, from long-running drought, to bushfires, and now the global uncertainty due to the COVID-19 crisis,” he said.
“Food production is a major industry in the Mid Murray, and 60 per cent of our producers have indicated to us that one of the best ways we can support them right now is to support the lifting of the GM moratorium.
“Our farming sector is a significant local employer, and also contributes to broader family and community wellbeing.
“While there are different views on the topic of GM crop production, our community has indicated that this is one tangible way in which council can foster economic growth in our region.
“The results of council’s consultation will be shared with the Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development and, while we will advocate for allowing GM crops to be grown locally, the decision will ultimately now rest with the Minister and the State Government.
The MMC consulted with industry leaders and the wider community in July and August. Council received 14 written responses and 73 survey responses, with the majority of respondents in favour of allowing GM crops to be grown locally.
The consultation followed bipartisan support at a State Government level to lift the 16-year moratorium on GM crops in SA in all regions except Kangaroo Island.
Under the new Genetically Modified Crops Management (designated area) Amendment Act 2020, individual councils can now apply to be a non-GM designated area.
A decision will be made by the Minister before November 15, 2020.