EXCERPT: "To abandon our GM-free status now risks losing access to some of the world's best and most sensitive markets.

"This would be disastrous for our state economy, which relies heavily on agriculture."
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Democrats will maintain GM ban
Eyre Peninsula Tribune, Australia
23 February 2006
http://www.cleve.yourguide.com.au/detail.asp?class=news&subclass=local&story_id=460969&category=General%20News&m=2&y=2006

The South Australian Democrats have announced they will move to support the State's ban on genetically modified (GM) crops when the Parliament resumes after the State Election.

Democrat Ian Gilfillan said one of the reasons behind the move is some markets are still extremely cautious about genetically modified foods.

"Recent premium prices paid by Japan for Kangaroo Island GM-free canola is clear evidence that markets still strongly prefer GM-free produce to produce that has been contaminated," he said.

"To abandon our GM-free status now risks losing access to some of the world's best and most sensitive markets.

"This would be disastrous for our state economy, which relies heavily on agriculture.

"The South Australian Democrats believe that as more and more producing countries lost their GM-free status, we stand to benefit increasingly from our ability to guarantee GM-free products."

Member for Flinders Liz Penfold believes farmers should be involved in making any decision on an extension to the GM ban in SA and will "be led by them."

"We've had a five-year moratorium and now it's up to the farmers," she said.

"The first decision has to be whether we will join with the rest of the State and then it's up to everyone whether we go down the (GM) path."

Mrs Penfold said she thinks people are more aware of all the issues surrounding GM crops and believes more people are now in favour of growing GM crops.

The current ban expires in April 2007.