South Australia lifts GM crop ban

Farmers in mainland South Australia will be free to plant genetically modified (GM) food crops from the next season, with Kangaroo Island upholding its ban on GM crops.

The Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development in South Australia, Tim Whetstone, noted that the Anderson Review, which looked at the ban’s effects on SA farmers, found that grain growers in the state were stung for $33m since the ban’s introduction in 2004, with a potential $5m extra in costs set to occur by 2025.

“The moratorium has cost South Australian grain growers, and harmed this state’s ability to attract investment in agricultural research and development. Considering the future economic impact on farmers, it is time to lift the moratorium on the mainland and provide farmers choice on crops they seek to grow.

“This reform will help increase farm profitability and drought resilience, create job opportunities in our regions, grow the state’s economy and attract greater research investment.”

A statutory six-week consultation is now open on the proposed amendment to the regulations to lift the moratorium on growing GM Food Crops in all parts of the state, except Kangaroo Island.