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.
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