Onkaparinga’s application for GM-free status denied

Published on 03 November 2020

Onkaparinga’s application for GM-free status denied

Primary Industries Minister David Basham has denied Onkaparinga’s application to be designated a non-GM crop area, risking the reputation and viability of the world-class McLaren Vale wine region.

“This decision simply doesn’t add up,” said City of Onkaparinga Mayor Erin Thompson.

“The minister gave us one opportunity to engage with our industry representatives about this matter and we did so in good faith.

“We listened to our growers and they told us about the measurable impact this decision would have, but this has fallen on deaf ears and the implications are deeply concerning.

“The minister has now put at risk more than $20 million annually in crop value. On the back of COVID-19 and further export challenges currently being faced by our wine industry, this is a huge kick in the guts,” she said.

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