South Australia’s farmers and research scientists have been ignored with the Labor Party’s decision to continue the GM crop moratorium – hurting the state’s economy and risking jobs.
The Marshall Liberal Government introduced new regulations to lift the GM crop moratorium on mainland South Australia, which were to take effect on December 1.
Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development Tim Whetstone said the Labor Party’s latest decision to disallow the new regulations would be a handbrake on job creation in South Australia.
“Labor has shown its true colours with this anti-farming decision which will hurt South Australia’s economy and risk jobs,” said Minister Whetstone.
“After the last election Labor Leader Peter Malinauskas said he would be different and would listen to South Australia’s regional communities.
“He has completely ignored the views of South Australia’s farmers and our research scientists.
“This is just another example of the Labor Party turning its back on those in the regions.
“The Labor Party/SA Best alliance continue to be a handbrake on the South Australian economy and this latest move will reduce our primary producers’ ability to deal with drought and the changing climate.”
Minister Whetstone said the new regulations were meant to empower South Australian farmers to have the same choices to use new and improved crop varieties as farmers enjoy around the country.
“By continuing to leave a moratorium in place based on ideology the Labor Party and SA Best are costing farmers in South Australia real money and denying them a basic right – choice,” said Minister Whetstone.
“South Australian farmers should have the same choices to use new and improved crop varieties to tackle drought and climate change as farmers enjoy in our neighbouring states.
“The decision to lift the GM crop moratorium followed extensive industry and community consultation, as well as the findings of the high-level independent expert review undertaken by Professor Kym Anderson and the recommendations of the GM Crop Advisory Committee.
“The independent review found the GM moratorium has cost South Australian grain growers at least $33 million since 2004 and will cost farmers at least a further $5 million if extended to 2025.
“A clear majority of submissions to the six-week statutory consultation supported the new regulations with 59 per cent of submitters in favour of the immediate removal of the GM moratorium on South Australia’s mainland, while retaining the moratorium on Kangaroo Island.”
