The Tasmanian Farmers and Graziers Association today welcomed the announcement by TPI Enterprises of a 25 per cent increase in the price poppy growers will receive from for the 2011/12 season. TPI also indicated that growers with crops producing high assays of alkaloid may be eligible for a further bonus up to 10 per cent.
As well, the company is looking to increase the growing area for its poppies and to offer bonuses for heavy production.
TFGA chief executive Jan Davis said TPI had also agreed with growers that next season’s price should not be linked to the high Australian dollar, which has had the effect of making exports more expensive to overseas processors.
“This is really good news for farmers and a strong vote of confidence for the industry as a whole,” Ms Davis said.
“It means that since TPI entered the scene in 2002, the growing area for poppies throughout the state will have risen from 22,000 ha to a licensed area of 34,000 ha. This makes Tasmania one of the leading poppy production areas in the world.
‘We are particularly pleased that the 2011/12 pricing will be based on the assay (quality) level rather than at a fixed rate as in previous seasons.
“It’s amazing what you can do when you listen to each other,” Ms Davis said.
Jan Davis, TFGA
