GMO ban extension
Posted
Tasmania's ban on genetically modified food crops is to continue.
A Parliamentary committee chaired by the Primary Industries Minister, David Llewellyn, has recommended the ban be extended and reviewed in five years.
The committee recommends the State adopt a zero-tolerance approach for GMO contamination in imported canola and grain seeds, as well as a ban on the importation of animal feed containing GMOs.
"Many of those opposed to the use of GM material warned of the damage that lifting the moratorium would cause to the state's reputation as a producer of clean, high quality foods", Mr Llewellyn says.
The Committee also wants the State Government to lobby for better labelling on animal feed and GM foods.
Tasmania's ban will then be reviewed in five years.
Committee member, Western Tiers MLC Greg Hall wants the review of the moratorium to be carried out by independent experts.
"In this rapidly changing world of new tecnology, we must have in my view, an independent review and full assessment of the situation at the end of that time period. I think it's absolutely essential that our food producers and our non-food producers are in a position to embrace new and appropriate technologies," Mr Hall says.
