The Tasmanian Greens have welcomed a decision by Food Standards Australia New Zealand to approve the use of hemp products containing low levels of tetrahydrocannabinol in the production of food for human consumption.
Greens Primary Industries spokesperson Kim Booth MP said that if the ruling receives the endorsement of the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) Legislative and Governance Forum on Food Regulation, it would potentially create major new opportunities for Tasmanian agriculture.
“This is an exciting step towards the removal of the absurd and irrational barriers which currently exist, preventing the production of food products using hemp oils and seed,” Mr Booth said.
“The Greens welcome this decision and urge all COAG members to support removing this ban, which for too long has been an artificial impediment to a viable hemp industry in Tasmania.”
“It would open a window of opportunity right across regional areas for significant job and wealth creation in a new agricultural industry.”
“We are particularly heartened at the timing of this decision, given that a State Parliamentary committee set up by the Greens is currently inquiring into ways of encouraging a local industrial hemp industry.”
“These regulations have prevented Tasmanian farmers being able to participate in a wide range of agricultural enterprises including the production of valuable fibre, pharmaceutical products and foods.”
“The Greens received tripartite support in March this year to establish a State Parliamentary inquiry into boosting a state hemp industry, and acknowledged the Liberals had also flagged an inquiry which the Greens did not think went far enough.”
“Industrial hemp products have no drug properties, so it has never made sense to list industrial hemp as a poison.”
“If COAG were to support the FSANZ decision, it would potentially go a long way to encourage the appropriate development and maintenance of a viable Tasmanian industry hemp industry.”
