The Council’s application to remain free of genetically modified (GM) crops has been rejected by the South Australian Government. Adelaide Hills Council was one of eleven councils that applied to remain GM free; none of the applications were successful.
“The Adelaide Hills is renowned for producing world-class premium products, a reputation which
has been fostered over many years. Remaining GM free would have protected this brand and
maintained important market and trade advantages for our primary producers,” said Deputy Mayor Nathan Daniell.
“Over 75 per cent of our community indicated that Council should apply for GM Free status and the
key driver behind this message was to protect our brand and the marketing and trade advantages
GM free status provides to our primary producers.”
The moratorium on GM crops in South Australia was lifted in April this year, with local councils given six months to apply to be designated a GM free area.
Adelaide Hills Council conducted community consultation from 29 July to 26 August 2020, with the decision to apply to remain GM free resolved by Council at its September Ordinary Meeting.
Kangaroo Island remains the only part of South Australia where GM crops cannot be grown.
Read our media release on this topic here.
