While the Tasmanian Government reviews its moratorium on genetically modified (GM) organisms, a range of speakers will discuss the benefits of the moratorium at forums in Launceston and Hobart tomorrow. The forums are co-hosted by Organics Tasmania and the Safe Food Foundation.
The speakers include the President of the Tasmania Beekeepers Association Lindsay Burke; Terry Moore from non-GM certifier GMO ID Australia and Bob Mackley a broadacre farmer from the Wimmera in Western Victoria.
Bob Mackley a broadacre farmer from the Wimmera in Western Victoria whose farm was contaminated with GM canola said “the only GM crop that could potentially be grown in Tasmania in the foreseeable future is GM canola. Non-GM canola currently sells for a premium of around $50 a tonne and Tasmanian canola growers currently enjoy market access in Japan because their canola is non-GM. It would be foolish to throw this advantage away when GM canola offers no real benefits. Once GM canola is introduced, contamination is inevitable.”
Lindsay Burke said “Tasmanian honey producers currently have a huge marketing advantage over mainland producers because of our non-GM status. Our honey currently sells for 40 per cent more than mainland honey because of Tasmania’s clean green reputation. The introduction of GM crops would completely destroy this.”
Terry Moore said “The increasing demand for non – genetically modified food within Australia and overseas will undoubtedly benefit many Tasmanian growers and food processors. Should GM crops ever be released into Tasmania, the opportunity to supply these unique and valuable non–GM products will be compromised for all time.”
Forum details
Thursday 3rd October, 2013
Launceston
12.30pm – 2pm – Conference Room 3, DPIPWE Prospect Offices, 171 Westbury Road, Prospect.
Hobart
6.30 – 8pm – The Philip Smith Centre, 2 Edward St, Glebe.
Organics Tasmania and the Safe Food Foundation.
