Genetically Modified (GM) Crops Moratorium

Update - State Government decision

Following Council's application to the Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development, we have been notified that after considering our application, as well as advice from the Genetically Modified Crop Advisory Committee, a decision was made to not designate the City of Tea Tree Gully as an area where the cultivation of GM food crops is prohibited.

Council decision/outcomes

During the consultation period 137 responses were received during the community engagement period, along with 8 emails/letter received prior to the community of community engagement. The majority indicated support for Council to apply for the whole area of the City of Tea Tree Gully becoming a GM (genetically modified) free crop area (based on trade and marketing implications).

At its meeting on Tuesday 20 October, Council considered the Council Report and feedback received from the community and made the decision to apply to the Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development under Section 5A (1) of the Genetically Modified Crops Management Act 2004 for the designation of the Council area as an area in which no genetically modified food crops may be cultivated.

Council report (notice, agenda and community engagement outcomes report) and minutes

Read the community engagement outcomes report

Background

The moratorium on growing Genetically Modified (GM) crops in South Australia was lifted by the State Government on 15 May 2020 except for Kangaroo Island.

For a short time, local councils can make a request to the Minister for Primary Industries & Regional Development to designate our council area as a non-GM crop area - this would mean no GM crops could be grown in the entire City of Tea Tree Gully Council area. The State Government has told us this is a once-off opportunity and we will need to apply before 15 November 2020.

When making his decision, the Minister will only consider evidence related to the trade and marketing impact of GM crops. This includes whether or not local food producers and manufacturers can demonstrate that their capacity to market and export their product would be affected by our area’s GM status.

The State Government has advised that any councils who prepare a request to the Minister must complete community engagement which is directed at people engaged in primary production activities and food processing or manufacturing activities.

Before Council decides to apply to be a GM Free Zone, it must first consult with the community including primary production and food processing or manufacturing businesses within their boundaries. South Australia’s lead Government agency in the agriculture, food, wine and biosecurity sector, the Primary Industries and Regions SA (PIRSA) recommends further to any community consultation, the application should:

• Relate to risks to marketing and trade only
• Not include matters of human health or environmental impacts, as these are managed under Commonwealth legislation
• Demonstrate that stakeholders in their area are currently receiving a marketing or trade advantage as a result of being a non GM food crop area
• Show evidence of market and trade advantages, including any price premiums, that could not be achieved without being declared a non GM food crop area
• Include a summary of all views expressed during consultation (in favour or against declaration)
• Information or data from commercial customers or businesses in the supply chain
• Any other relevant data that demonstrates the marketing or trade advantage provided

We are seeking feedback from our community, particularly primary producers and food processors/manufacturers, about the potential impact of GM crops on their businesses in the City of Tea Tree Gully council area.

To get involved and have your say:

• Read the Information Sheet which includes Frequently Asked Questions
• Complete the feedback form

If you need assistance to participate in this consultation, please call us on 8397 7444 or send us a message