Slashing red tape for our farmers

The Tasmanian Government remains steadfast in its commitment to maintaining Tasmania's GMO moratorium, while ensuring our regulatory system is practical, science-based and proportionate.

GM canola trials occurred in Tasmania between 1998 and 2000, before the State introduced its GMO moratorium in 2001.

Since that time, affected landholders have operated under permits or exemptions issued under the Genetically Modified Organisms Control Act 2004, with strict site management requirements in place.

Minister for Primary Industries and Water, Gavin Pearce, said as the science has progressed over the years, it has become clear that canola seed does not remain in soil indefinitely.

“We are implementing a framework, developed with the support of the Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture, that establishes clear, evidence-based criteria to determine when a former GM canola site can be considered extremely low risk and rules simplified.

“This will see red tape slashed for 77 sites.

“The framework considers factors such as the time since sowing, the absence of regrowth following cultivation, documented paddock history, and scientific seedbank decline modelling.

“Importantly, this does not change Tasmania's GMO moratorium in any way.

“This will reduce red tape for farmers where the evidence shows the risk is now extremely low.

“For sites that meet the criteria, routine inspections and permit requirements can cease, although landholders will still be required to report any suspected GM canola plants if they appear.

“For sites not yet eligible, NRE Tas will continue working directly with landholders to support ongoing management and future sign-off.”

For more information go to www.nre.tas.gov.au/gm-canola