THE Greens’ bill to extend the statewide moratorium on genetically-modified crops has passed the Upper House of the SA parliament.
With the present moratorium set to expire on September 1, 2019, the bill will extend the moratorium into 2025, if it is passed by the Lower House by the end of the parliamentary sitting year.
Greens MLC Mark Parnell said he was delighted with the Labor Government’s support to secure the moratorium for an additional six years.
“The current moratorium has provided a significant price premium for our state’s farmers compared to GM crops grow in other states,” he said.
“As the only GM-free mainland state, this is a significant advantage to SA’s food industry.”
But Opposition agriculture spokesperson David Ridgway said it was disgraceful the state government would extend the moratorium without a “shred of evidence”.
“Premier (Jay) Weatherill obviously has no regard for the 3000 graingrowers in SA who continually contribute around $3 billion to our economy each year,” he said.
“Extending the GM moratorium without any evidence or consultation is a huge blow to the thousands of grain growers around SA who support our position to review the GM moratorium.”
Ali Kuchel
Journalist at the Stock Journal, passionate about all things farming and equestrian also doubling as a photographer.
Journalist at the Stock Journal, passionate about all things farming and equestrian also doubling as a photographer.
