After 16 Years, South Australia Lifts Ban on GM Crops

After 16 years, and after multiple attempts last year, South Australia is lifting its ban on genetically modified crops beginning next season.

The decision to lift the ban followed an independent review that concluded that the monetary loss since 2004 for just canola crops was estimated to be 33 million.

The decision is being lauded by Grain Producers SA - the state’s leading lobby group for grain growers - that said there is great interest in trialing GM canola varieties currently being grown across the rest of the country.

The legislation allows for councils to remain GM-free, however, to do so a council has a six-month window in which to apply. Kangaroo Island will maintain the ban because of the demand of its exports markets, according to Primary Industries Minister Tim Whetstone. Concerns remain however, that there may end up being a patchwork across the state with scattered councils maintaining the ban, which would create difficulties across the sector.

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