Australian Seed Federation welcomes expiry of moratorium on cultivation of GM food crops in New South Wales on 1 July 2021

The Australian Seed Federation (ASF) welcomed the announcement by Minister for Agriculture Adam Marshall that the moratorium on cultivation of GM food crops in NSW would be allowed to expire on 1 July 2021.

Chief Executive Officer of the ASF, Mr Osman Mewett commended Minister Marshall and the Berejiklian Government for this demonstration of commitment and support for agricultural innovation and the state’s farming sector.

“Allowing the moratorium to expire sends a clear signal to technology developers and seed companies that NSW is ‘open for business’ and encourages investment to bring agricultural innovations to the state.” Mr Mewett said.

“Since 2003, multiple independent reports have demonstrated there are no trade or marketing benefits to maintaining state moratoria on cultivation of GM crops. Today’s decision brings NSW into line with WA, Victoria, Queensland, the NT and mainland SA as jurisdictions in which approved GM crops can be grown.”

“This year marks 25 years of commercial GM crop cultivation in Australia. For a quarter of a century this technology has been providing significant economic and environmental benefits to Australia’s farmers and consumers.” Mr Mewett concluded.

To remain internationally competitive and meet the potential for future growth is reliant on the NSW Government’s continued adoption of policies that embrace innovation, engage investment, and bring new technologies to market in a timely manner. The ASF supports choice in relation to crop biotechnology provided that the choice is based on sound science and respects the rights of others to also choose.