FAQs

This engagement is open to anyone with an interest.  However, given the Minister's focus on trade and marketing implications of GM crops we are focusing our engagement on that, and are particularly interested in hearing from people involved in primary production activities and food processing or manufacturing activities within the Victor Harbor local government area.

While all of the feedback collected will be summarised in a report to elected members for consideration, we will be focusing on what we hear from stakeholders and any input that relates to trade and marketing showing evidence that supports claims presented.

No, Council does not have the power to decide to be a GM-free area. This decision sits solely with the state government, and more specifically the Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development (Hon David Basham MP).  

Councils can make a request to the Minister that he designate their area as a non-GM crop area, but the final decision sits with the Minister. 

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 Victor Harbor’s GM status.

The laws governing genetic modification and how genetically modified organisms (GMOs) - including crops - are produced, transported, processed, marketed and consumed are administered by several different parts of government. 

At a federal or commonwealth level, the public health and safety of GMOs is overseen by the Office of the Gene Technology Regulator. GM food products are also regulated federally by Food Standards Australia and New Zealand. 

Agricultural trade and marketing matters are primarily a state government responsibility under the Australian Constitution, overseen by Primary Industries and Regions South Australia (PIRSA). 

Until now, local government has had no specific role to play. Council’s role in this process is to undertake a clear, impartial process to decide whether to make an application to be designated a non-GM crop area. If Council chooses to make an application, it will be most effective if based on sound evidence from the sectors of our community that will be directly impacted either way on trade and marketing matters. 

The GM legislation affects all crops.  We understand that canola is one of the few crops likely to be cultivated in South Australia in the short term, however over time there may be other GM crops cultivated, such as wheat, and possibly fruit and vegetables.

The State Government, through PIRSA, has stated that council’s should decide to apply for their region to be designated GM-free by providing applications that:

• 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
• Include a summary of all views expressed during consultation (in favour or against) declaration.

You can visit the PIRSA website for more information on the application requirements.