An independent review of the moratorium on genetically modified (GM) crops
in South Australia that has existed since 2003 has revealed that farmers
have lost more than $33 million from 2004 to 2018 and would lose another $5
million over the next six years.

The review, prepared by University of Adelaide agricultural economist Kym
Anderson provides the government and people of South Australia with an
independent assessment of the economic costs and benefits of maintaining,
modifying or removing the South Australian moratorium (which is currently
scheduled to continue until 2025) on the production or transport of GM
crops.

The report contains 19 findings and the South Australian Government said
that a majority of the written submissions favor the complete removal of the
moratorium on GM crops. Another key finding is that there was no price
premium for grain from South Australia for its GM-free status and the
state's farmers did not "enjoy better access" to European Union markets. The
report also states that an important consequence of the ban is not the
withdrawal of private R&D investment by life science companies but also less
public sector funding for the state's research institutions.

[pir.sa.gov.au]
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