THE ban on growing genetically modified crops in SA could continue to 2025 if a bill by Greens MLC Mark Parnell is passed in parliament next month.
Mr Parnell has already introduced the bill and aims to bring it to a vote on November 15 and if successful, it could become law by the end of the year.
He said with the present moratorium set to expire on September 1, 2019, it could “evaporate” if nothing was done.
“There is a provision in SA law that states regulations expire after 10 years if nobody does anything,” he said.
“And that’s a really poor way to make such an important decision.”
Should the bill be accepted, it would extend the moratorium by another six years, taking it beyond the next term of government.
“This is such a contentious issue and it deserves to have a proper debate rather than disappearing because a date of the calendar is reached,” Mr Parnell said.
SA and Tas are the only states that are GM-free, which Mr Parnell says benefits the state's marketing and branding avenues.
“If SA can label itself as a GM-free state, then it’s not just about the canola anymore, but it is also wine, vegetables, fruit and other fresh produce,” he said.
“Science is obviously important, but when it comes to the market, buying produce, it’s not the main game.
“The main game is reputation and perception.”
“We can speak narrowly about canola and canola products, but SA being a GM-free state has potential benefits for the whole agricultural sector.”
Mr Parnell said the Greens bill guaranteed regardless of who formed government, parliament would have the final say on the issue.
Bill not welcomed by SA producers
PRODUCERS are opposing the Greens’ bill to extend the genetically modified crops moratorium in a bid to be on an even playing field with the rest of the nation.
Grain Producers SA chief executive officer Darren Arney said the organisation had been advocating for the removal of the moratorium and was opposed to the bill’s introduction.
“All we are asking for is for the SA growers to have the same options as the farmers in Vic and the rest of the country,” he said.
Mr Arney said canola made up about four per cent of the area sown in SA, while in WA the ratio was closer to 15pc, of which GM canola made up one-third.
“We understand there is a price difference between GM and non-GM canola in other states, but there’s no premium in SA for our non-GM canola compared to non-GM canola from any other state,” he said.
“Removing the moratorium would enable farmers to have another crop in their rotation and growing GM canola could help clean up hard-to-control weeds for wheat or barley crops in subsequent years.”
But with the 2018 state election looming opposition, agriculture spokesperson David Ridgway said the decision should be dealt with by the government of the day with all the information at-hand.
He said should the Liberals form government next year, it would conduct a review before making a decision whether to carry on with the moratorium or not.
“Minister Leon Bignell is always saying we get financial benefits and all of our exports are worth more because we are GM-free,” he said.
“I have no evidence to say it's right or not, so we think the best step is to have an independent review.”
Mr Ridgway expected a report and decision would be made within 12 months to give stakeholders “clarity” and time to prepare for the following season.
Agricultural Minister Leon Bignell was overseas and unable to comment.
