Biotech Updates

Tasmanian Farmers Want to Grow GMO Crops

October 31, 2007

The Tasmanian Farmers and Graziers Association (TFGA) is pushing for the replacement of the current blanket State Government moratorium on introduction and use of GMOs in the country. TFGA is calling for a new policy of coexistence of GM and non GM production. The appeal of the association was submitted to a parliamentary committee that is currently reviewing the policy on genetically modified crops.

“If Tasmanian agriculture is to continue to thrive in very competitive global markets, individual farm enterprises must be able to benefit from improvements in production technology” said Roger Swain, TFGA president. “Farmers need access to technology which will allow them to reduce production costs, improve product quality, increase product options, adapt to climate change and enhance environmental sustainability.” He added that Tasmanian agriculture runs a serious risk of being left behind by its competitors should the Government push its anti-GMO stance.

Read the press release at http://www.tfga.com.au/TFGA%20Media%20Release%20re%20Gene%20Technology%2030-10-07.pdf