9 January 2014
Thursday 9 January 2014 (Canberra) – Today’s decision from the Tasmanian government to extend its moratorium on GM crops bodes poorly for both the profitability and sustainability of Tasmanian agriculture.
“It is disappointing to see a decision like this being made against the weight of scientific and economic evidence. Good public policy is based on actual evidence, not speculation,” Matthew Cossey, Chief Executive of CropLife Australia said today.
“At the very least the government’s commitment to a yearly review of the ban indicates some awareness of the enormous continuing and future benefits of agricultural biotechnology. However, this is cold comfort for farmers currently struggling to maintain sustainable and competitive businesses.
“Without access to the latest technologies, Tasmanian farmers will miss out on the environmental and economic benefits GM crops are already bringing to mainland states and farmers across the globe. In 2011 alone, the use of GM crops globally was responsible for savings in CO2 emissions of 23 billion kg; that is the equivalent of removing 80 per cent of the cars registered in Australia from the road for one year.
“The use of GM crops has also reduced water use in cropping by up to 32 per cent. Pesticide use has been reduced by up to 86 per cent in some crops. The Tasmanian government has chosen to deny Tasmanian farmers these proven benefits on the basis of groundless speculation.
“Both consultants’ reports sourced by the government on this issue concluded that there was little to no indication of a price premium generated by GM-free status. This decision is clearly political, and that is deeply disappointing for those with an interest in the future of Tasmanian agriculture.
“The government’s own commissioned report states that over the past decade, Tasmania’s agricultural sector has suffered a $40 million net farm-gate loss due to this moratorium.
“The government has essentially based this decision on the speculative notion that consumer sentiment may turn against GMOs in the future. This is in direct contradiction to Australian government data that shows that consumer acceptance of GM food has increased steadily over time.
“Important decisions that affect the future of an entire sector, with far-reaching implications for the environment and the state economy should not be made solely on political and ideological grounds.
“The plant science industry urges the Tasmanian Government to take note of the available evidence when making important decisions pertaining to agriculture in the future, for the sake of farmers, the environment and the economy,” concluded Mr Cossey.
Contact: Jessica Lee (Manager – Public Affairs) Ph: 02 6230 6399 Mob: 0410 491 261