Review of Tasmania’s GMO Moratorium

The Deputy Premier, Bryan Green today released the terms of reference for a review of Tasmania s moratorium on GMOs in primary industries.

Mr Green said the review would give all stakeholders the opportunity to express their views before the moratorium expires in November next year.

The Government recognises the importance of Tasmania s GMO-free status to the future of our agricultural industries, Mr Green said.

The moratorium has served Tasmania well and we believe it should be continued.

Being GMO-free is a great fit with the Tasmanian brand and is vital to our success in discerning domestic and international markets.

The current policy aims to position Tasmanian in the global marketplace as a producer of food that is genuinely GMO-free.

Mr Green said the review of the current policy would begin next month and be completed by the end of the year, Mr Green said.

The Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment will invite submissions and report against the following terms of reference:

a) The potential market advantages and disadvantages of allowing or not allowing the use of gene technology in Tasmanian primary industries, including food and non-food sectors;

b) Domestic and international gene technology policy relevant to primary industries;

c) Research and development relevant to the use of gene technology in primary industries;

d) Any other relevant matters raised during the review.
Bryan Green, Deputy Premier