Tasmania’s peak farming body, the Tasmanian Farmers and Growers Association, today backed the continuation of the moratorium on the use of genetically-modified organisms (GMOs) in Tasmania.
However, in its submission to the state government’s review of the 2004 moratorium, the TFGA stipulated that the future of what is effectively a ban on GM crops should be reassessed preferably after two years.
“At the same time, we are calling for the government to constantly monitor changing technologies, as well as consumer and market trends that would justify and trigger an earlier review,” TFGA chief executive Jan Davis said.
“Clearly, opinion is divided within the community and within the farming sector over the use of GM crops; but is also divided about the purported benefits of Tasmania having GMO-free status, particularly the tangible benefits to farmers.
“Within our sector, there are producers who consider the moratorium a marketing advantage. Others are concerned that the industry is losing productivity and competitiveness due to the inability to access GMO technologies that arguably could enhance current production outcomes and methodologies,” she said.
“Tasmania’s brand is seen as distinctive, associated with premium food products within the domestic Australian market and, in some cases, internationally. There, nevertheless, is skepticism surrounding the actual benefits delivered to farmers by the clean, green concept. This skepticism is particularly relevant to the perceived market advantage and price premiums in remaining GMO-free.”
Ms Davis said the dilemma was compounded by the difficulty people had understanding defining ‘genetic modification’ and ‘genetic engineering’. This was not aided by the government’s failure to follow through with a promised promotions campaign to support the 2004 moratorium decision in the market place.
“It didn’t happen,” she said. “As a result, there is little hard evidence of any real market advantage (as opposed to market access) in remaining GMO-free; and much of the evidence that does exist appears generally subjective.”
Ms Davis said the TFGA said there are very few GM products that are currently available to Tasmanian farmers, but “research associated with GM products is developing rapidly and this situation could change quickly”.
“Due to the fluid nature of both GMO research and market and consumer trends, we need to be able as a sector to respond rapidly to any changes that may occur,” she said.
“That’s why we want the reduced time limit before the moratorium is reassessed; and also the constant monitoring of GM trends.”
TFGA chief executive Jan Davis
