Grain Producers SA is calling on all sides of politics to focus on delivering an outcome for growers regarding genetically modified crops following today’s news that the State Government has introduced new regulations which would see the moratorium lifted on mainland SA from 1 January.
GPSA has cautiously welcomed the latest announcement from Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development Tim Whetstone, with Chair Wade Dabinett saying the organisation just wants to see certainty for growers.
“GPSA appreciates the government backing the industry on this important issue,” he said.
“The grain industry has a clear policy objective, which is to see the GM ban lifted so growers can have the freedom of choice to access the crops which best suit their farming systems.
“We don’t care whether that is through regulations or legislation — it is up to the legislators to decide on the best way to get this done.
“South Australian growers aren’t interested in political game playing; they just want the choice to access world-leading genetics and get on with the job of feeding the world.”
Mr Dabinett said GPSA will be focussing on ensuring the regulations introduced by Minister Whetstone would not be disallowed again, as they were in November.
“GPSA remains hopeful that all sides of politics will support this important reform for SA’s grain industry,” he said.
“We will work with those who have previously opposed the regulations and legislation to make sure they understand the human health, environmental and economic benefits of GM crops.
“GPSA has consistently argued the moratorium offers little in the way of trade and marketing benefits to the majority of agricultural producers in SA and removes the option of using GM tools which have been independently proven to be safe and effective.
“We strongly believe that growers deserve the freedom to grow the cereal, legume and oilseed varieties that best fit their farming systems.”
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