Share Genetically Modified (GM) Crops in Victor Harbor on FacebookShare Genetically Modified (GM) Crops in Victor Harbor on TwitterShare Genetically Modified (GM) Crops in Victor Harbor on LinkedinEmail Genetically Modified (GM) Crops in Victor Harbor link
Consultation has concluded
With the Fleurieu Peninsula already known as ‘clean and green’ and acknowledging the applications of other councils to be designated as a Genetically Modified (GM) crop free area, Council at the September Ordinary Council meeting resolved to apply to the Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development seeking the Victor Harbor Council area to be a non-GM crop cultivation designated area.
Understanding that there are advantages and disadvantages to GM cropping across South Australia and that one size does not fit all local government areas, Council sees that being GM free and promoting a clean and green image is a once in a lifetime opportunity for the region and one our community could leverage.
City of Victor Harbor Mayor, Dr Moira Jenkins said there is real opportunity for trade and marketing advantages by having a ‘green belt’ from the Barossa all the way to Kangaroo Island.
“Council saw that a regional designation approach would strengthen the tourism industry’s promotion of the Barossa, Adelaide Hills and Fleurieu Peninsula as being a premium food and wine producing destination”, she said.
“Acknowledging that there are many different views on GM crops within and outside our community, we hope that the Minister will see the potential of this GM free ‘green belt’ having similar economic benefits as Kangaroo Island”.
Supporting the decisions of neighbouring councils, Yankalilla and Alexandrina, was also considered by Council. With a large amount of viticulture and grain growing activities occurring around Victor Harbor, it was seen as important to leverage the opportunity to apply for the GM free status and enable neighbouring properties and local transport services to secure a GM free supply and transport chain.
The eventual decision as to whether the Council area retains a non-GM status sits with the Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development and designated non-GM areas will be published in the government Gazette before Sunday, 15 November 2020.
UPDATE: The Minister declined the Council's request for the Council area to remain GM Free.
With the Fleurieu Peninsula already known as ‘clean and green’ and acknowledging the applications of other councils to be designated as a Genetically Modified (GM) crop free area, Council at the September Ordinary Council meeting resolved to apply to the Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development seeking the Victor Harbor Council area to be a non-GM crop cultivation designated area.
Understanding that there are advantages and disadvantages to GM cropping across South Australia and that one size does not fit all local government areas, Council sees that being GM free and promoting a clean and green image is a once in a lifetime opportunity for the region and one our community could leverage.
City of Victor Harbor Mayor, Dr Moira Jenkins said there is real opportunity for trade and marketing advantages by having a ‘green belt’ from the Barossa all the way to Kangaroo Island.
“Council saw that a regional designation approach would strengthen the tourism industry’s promotion of the Barossa, Adelaide Hills and Fleurieu Peninsula as being a premium food and wine producing destination”, she said.
“Acknowledging that there are many different views on GM crops within and outside our community, we hope that the Minister will see the potential of this GM free ‘green belt’ having similar economic benefits as Kangaroo Island”.
Supporting the decisions of neighbouring councils, Yankalilla and Alexandrina, was also considered by Council. With a large amount of viticulture and grain growing activities occurring around Victor Harbor, it was seen as important to leverage the opportunity to apply for the GM free status and enable neighbouring properties and local transport services to secure a GM free supply and transport chain.
The eventual decision as to whether the Council area retains a non-GM status sits with the Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development and designated non-GM areas will be published in the government Gazette before Sunday, 15 November 2020.
UPDATE: The Minister declined the Council's request for the Council area to remain GM Free.
