Reviews and consultation of GM crops

An independent review of South Australia’s moratorium on the cultivation of GM food crops was undertaken in late 2018 by Emeritus Professor Kym Anderson AC.

It evaluated the benefits and costs of the GM moratorium to the South Australian economy and agricultural industries. The review received 216 submissions which were considered individually.

Independent review findings

A report was released on 20 February 2019, with 19 findings. The review concluded that the moratorium has:

• cost South Australian farmers approximately $33 million
• hindered agriculture research and development investments
• not secured better market access or price premiums for South Australian produce.

It found that segregation and identity preservation protocols ensured the successful coexistence of GM and non-GM crops in Australia.

Evidence also showed that producers on Kangaroo Island were receiving a distinct market advantage from the island’s non-GM status. Producers demonstrated that a price premium, a consumer base, and export value were directly achieved by maintaining the island’s non-GM status.

The findings were released for feedback and consultation was undertaken on a proposal to lift the moratorium in all of South Australia, except Kangaroo Island.

The State Government concluded that our farmers should have the choice to take advantage of existing or new GM food crops and pastures that can provide them with a production or market advantage.

See the Independent review of the South Australian GM food crop moratorium.

Other committee reports

Growing GM crops has been considered by Parliamentary inquiries in South Australia and Western Australia.

SA Parliament

A Legislative Council Select Committee was established to inquire into and report on the moratorium on the cultivation of GM crops in South Australia.

Submissions and the final report are available on the Parliament of South Australia website.

WA Parliament

Standing Committee on Environment and Public Affairs – Mechanisms for compensation for economic loss to farmers in Western Australia caused by contamination by genetically modified material.

Read about the findings in Report 49 of February 2019.