Tasmania’s peak farming body has strongly encouraged the State’s processors to consider local produce if they decide to bid for a contract to supply meat and vegetables to a defence facility at Scottsdale.
Bass Liberal MHR Andrew Nikolic announced this week that the Defence Science and Technology Organisation (DSTO) would require 18 tonnes of meat and several tonnes of vegetables within six months.
“Last year I was disappointed to discover that ration packs produced at the Scottsdale facility for Australian troops were being made with meat and vegetables sourced primarily from interstate producers,’’ Mr Nikolic said.
He said that he had worked hard to ensure that when the next tender was called, Tasmanian companies were fully informed and had every opportunity to compete.
Tasmanian Farmers And Graziers Association (TFGA) President Wayne Johnston said that it was a great chance for the State’s processors and producers to present a united front.
“We’re all for collaboration. This is a key example of where processors and producers can work together to capitalise on a new business opportunity for unique Tasmanian grown and made products,’’ Mr Johnston said.
“The TFGA has no doubt that local producers could easily fulfill the order requirements. We have 3600 farms contributing more than $1.5 billion a year directly to gross state product and $5 billion if you consider the economic multipliers that it generates.
“Everybody is on the same page. We all want to keep the flow-on economic benefits within the State.”
The tender closes on 27 March.
TFGA president Wayne Johnston
