Tasmania will not remove its current moratorium on genetically modified organisms (GMO) despite a recommendation from a draft report from the Productivity Commission.
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The draft report, that was released on July 21, investigated regulation in agriculture and recommended all states, including Tasmania, that currently have moratoriums on GMOs, should remove them.
The report found that state and territory moratoria on the cultivation of GM crops were a major concern of participants in the inquiry.
“State and territory moratoria on the cultivation of genetically modified crops were a major concern of participants,” the report read.
“Many argued that the moratoria (effectively bans) on GM crops were unwarranted and that they deny farmers access to technological advances that are critical to remaining competitive internationally.”
“A number of state and territory governments have imposed moratoria on the cultivation of GM crops, pointing to market access and trade benefits such as price premiums for non-GM crops. These benefits are questionable. However, even in the presence of such benefits, because GM and non-GM production systems can coexist, the claimed benefits of the moratoria would be able to be achieved,” the report read.
Primary Industries Minister Jeremy Rockliff said the state’s moratorium “remained appropriate” and that there would be no change to the existing five year agreement.
“The report acknowledged the importance of cutting red tape, which is a priority the Tasmanian Liberal government shares in,” Mr Rockliff said.
“We have been working hard to ensure farmers can get on with the job of farming, from simplifying permits for dam works, specific purpose legislation to make it easier to grow industrial hemp and amendments to the Primary Industries Activities Protection Act.”
Tasmania has a moratorium on GM crops until 2019, when it will be reviewed. A review was completed this year in which the state government found measures to keep Tasmania GM-free were still appropriate.
Primary Industries Minister Jeremy Rockliff at the time said the state government believed the moratorium struck the right balance between “the needs of today and the possibilities of tomorrow” for the agriculture sector.
The report recommended the removal of the moratoria be accompanied by appropriate community information about the science behind GM foods, to improve community confidence in the regulation of the product.
To view the draft report and the other recommendations check out the website.