The Tasmanian Farmers and Growers Association responded this week to the State government’s continuation of the moratorium on the use of genetically-modified organisms (GMOs) in Tasmania.
“We welcome the clarity that this is a moratorium rather than ban,” TFGA chief executive Jan Davis said. “The recognition of the need for continuous reassessment of the situation, rather than shutting the door on the subject for the next five years, is vital if we are to make the most of our competitive advantages.”
South Australia remains the only mainland State with an ongoing ban on genetically-modified (GM) crops, which is expected to remain in place until at least 2019. Ms Davis said the TFGA had told last year’s Tasmanian GMO review that opinion was divided within the farming sector over the use of GM crops and the claimed benefits.
“Research commissioned by the previous government confirmed the fact that remaining GM-free comes at a cost to Tasmanian farmers,” she said. “There is no doubt that we are losing productivity and competitiveness because we can’t access GMO technologies that arguably could enhance current production outcomes and methodologies.”
Read the full, original article: Tassie group wants GMO conversation
