TFGA on poppy import

The Tasmanian Farmers and Graziers Association said today that, while appreciating the economic rationale for a processor wanting to import Turkish poppy straw in 2013, it was opposed to the move on economic and biosecurity grounds.

Tasmania is the only licensed grower of commercial poppies in Australia, and the Tasmanian poppy crop accounts for 40 per cent of global supply. After 25 years, the poppy industry is a mainstay of the local agriculture sector, worth up to $150 million a year at the farm gate to 700 growers. Many local farm enterprises have built their business plans around rotational poppy crops in a diversified production schedule.

The TFGA says the state government’s decision to grant approval for a one-off permit to import 2000 tonnes of poppy straw in 2013 in light of an expected supply shortfall is a dangerous precedent.

“Poppies are important agronomically, as part of a carefully planned crop rotation approach within our farming enterprises,” TFGA chief executive Jan Davis said today.
“They are vital as one of the high value crops identified for future growth so, clearly, this proposal has a potentially significant impact on Tasmanian farmers and the overall agriculture sector in this state.”

Ms Davis said she acknowledged that the processor had been open and frank with Tasmanian farmers about its plight in view of an anticipated shortfall in local supply.

“However, it is our view that economic and biosecurity considerations mean that the state government should not have approved this application. Imports always bring the risk of pests and disease contamination – especially when materials are sourced from less developed countries. Economically, this will cause growers to think carefully about future investment and commitment.

“We will hold the government accountable on their guarantee that this will be a one-off,” Ms Davis said.
Jan Davis TFGA