The latest decision to delay on legalising industrial hemp for human consumption is disappointing and frustrating.
Federal Member for Lyons Eric Hutchinson says today’s decision by the Australia and New Zealand Ministerial Forum on Food Regulation to consider a study report in March 2016 is another delay that farmers don’t need.
“There has been an ongoing and vigorous campaign supporting Tasmanian farmers, so this outcome from today’s meeting is not welcome” Mr Hutchinson said.
“The benefits that Tasmanian farmers will be able to gain from producing hemp for human consumption cannot be underestimated.
“I’ve been lobbying for an outcome which will allow the two countries to catch up with the rest of the world. Adding to today’s frustration is that Australians can buy imported hemp food products here in Australia but can’t buy Australian equivalents.”
Mr Hutchinson said one positive to come out of today’s forum was that members will consider asking Food Standards Australia New Zealand to commence work on a proposal to allow low THC hemp as a food in March 2016 as a means to ensure that all reports are considered without any unnecessary delay.
“I welcome this particular outcome, but suggest there has been enough unnecessary delay already,” Mr Hutchinson said.
“I first raised the subject of industrial hemp and the long delay in deciding whether to legalise its cultivation for human consumption last year.
“At that stage producers in Tasmania but also in other Australian states and New Zealand had been campaigning for the development of this industry for more than a decade.”
Federal Member for Lyons Eric Hutchinson
