This Saturday hundreds of Tasmanian’s are expected to descend on Hobart for the March Against Monsanto to urge the State Government to extend its moratorium on genetically modified organisms (GMOs). The Government is currently reviewing the legislation, with a decision expected before Christmas as to whether Tasmania will remain GM free.

Speakers at the march will include Tony Scherer, co-owner of Frogmore Creek and the President of Sprout; Lindsay Burke, the President of the Tasmania Beekeepers Association; and Nick McKim, the Tasmanian Greens leader.

Tony Scherer said “the only GM crop that could currently be grown in Tasmania if the moratorium is lifted is GM canola. With larger freight costs and without economies of scale, Tasmanian producers simply can’t compete with the mainland when it comes to bulk commodity production.”

“The real opportunities for Tasmania lie in selling premium products. Tasmania’s GM moratorium is invaluable in accessing these markets, although clearly much more needs to be done by the Government to promote Tasmania’s GM-free status.”

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.”

The Greens genetic engineering spokesperson Kim Booth said “Allowing the Genetic Engineering genie out of the bottle, will destroy Tasmania’s globally unique marketing advantage and condemn Tasmanian farmers forever, to the lowest priced commodity markets on the planet.”

The Hobart March Against Monsanto is one of over 400 marches against GM crops that are happening around the world. Millions of people will take part in marches on six continents in 52 countries. In Australia marches are also happening in Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, Adelaide and Brisbane.

March details:

When: 11am, Saturday 12th October
Meet: Franklin Square, Hobart and march to the Parliament Lawns
Louise Sales Friends of the Earth