The Hodgman Liberal Government has been a long-time advocate for the use of low-THC hemp in food, which will present an economic opportunity for our farmers.
An update was provided to the Ministerial Forum on Food Regulation today at its meeting in Brisbane, on progress to consider low-THC hemp as a food.
Work is currently underway to evaluate the impact of the consumption of low-THC hemp as a food in regards to random drug testing protocols in use in Australia, and it was advised today the final research report is delayed, and will now be considered in early 2017.
Forum members expressed concern and disappointment with the delays, but reiterated the importance of having robust scientific evidence on which to base decisions.
Minister for Health Michael Ferguson said that following on from a proposal raised by the Tasmanian Liberal Government at a past Forum, Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) is developing a draft proposal on how low-THC hemp could be legally designated as a food.
“Tasmania's firm position is to have the changes to the food code to permit low-THC hemp in food considered at the earliest possible opportunity.
“Tasmania is ready to go having already provided the necessary State approval process through the Industrial Hemp Act introduced by the Liberal Government,” he said.
Minister for Primary Industries and Water Jeremy Rockliff said allowing the use of low-THC hemp in food products has potential to open new markets for our agriculture sector, strengthening the economy and creating jobs
"The Liberal Government is committed to the industry and has streamlined the licencing and regulatory processes making it easier for our farmers to grow industrial hemp.
``Special purpose legislation for the cultivation and supply of industrial hemp for commercial production was introduced and licences have been extended from one to five years.
“Tasmanian farmers are now well placed to capitalise on new markets if the Federal prohibition on hemp foods in the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code is lifted.”