Adelaide Hills Council will apply to the Minister for Primary Industries for the district to be
designated a non-GM crop area following a unanimous Council decision last night (22 September 2020).
Deputy Mayor Nathan Daniell said extensive consultation highlighted the importance of
protecting the region’s reputation as a source of high-value, premium product with a clear
emphasis on sustainability and environmental consciousness.
“The Adelaide Hills is renowned for producing high value premium products reflective of our
clean and green reputation which has been fostered over many years. Remaining GM free
would protect this brand and maintain important market and trade advantages for our
primary producers,” Deputy Mayor Daniell said.
The consultation process demonstrated GM food crops remains an important issue for our
region reflected by the high levels of participation by business, associations, and community
members. Council received 266 feedback responses culminating in a Council workshop
which informed last night’s decision to apply for non-GM crop status and remain GM free.
Following a robust and extensive consultation process, 76 per cent of respondents indicated
their support for Council applying to the Minister to be designated as a no GM food crop
area. While there were a variety of views amongst businesses and associations, the majority
support no GM crop designation.
Click here to read the full media release.
