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Tasmania must remain GMO free

2008-07-10

The state government needs to maintain its ban on genetically modified organisms or risk jeopardising the strong position of Tasmanian beef in international markets, according to Peter Greenham, managing director of Greenham Tasmania Pty Ltd.

Tasmanian cattle are raised in a very different environment and Mr Greenham says that the Greenham Tasmania Natural Beef brand has placed a strong emphasis on claims of freedom from growth promotants, antibiotics and genetically modified organisms.

“These claims have struck a chord with our customers, especially in Korea where there has been deep suspicion about the safety of US beef,” explained Mr Greenham. “The strength of those feelings has been very evident in recent times as Koreans protest in the streets against the reintroduction of beef from the US.

“As well as emphasising these advantages, we can also underline the attributes of the Tasmanian environment - rich soils, clean water and clean air. We can paint an accurate picture of an environment that grows wonderful pastures and succulent, tender beef.

“We can lay claim to some of the world's best grazing lands".

As well as international markets, the relaxation of the ban could have an influence on domestic consumption. Mr Greenham said that the company has had an encouraging response from mainland butchers to efforts to establish Greenham Tasmanian Natural Beef as a specialist, premium product.

“We have also recently established another brand, Cape Grim Tasmanian Natural Beef, which is aimed primarily at high end Australian restaurants. We aim to have Cape Grim Beef listed extensively on restaurant menus across the country.”

The Cape Grim Beef brand takes its inspiration from the Cape Grim monitoring station which captures the world's most pure air from winds blowing across the Southern Ocean.

Mr Greenham emphasised that the ability to claim that all feed consumed by Tasmanian cattle is free of genetically modified organisms provides a major marketing advantage for local processors and the farmers who supply them.

“The future potential for properly differentiated and marketed Tasmanian beef is enormous in a consumer market which is becoming more and more environmentally-conscious. And this is of great value to the Tasmanian economy generally.

The introduction of genetically modified organisms into the Tasmanian environment would severely weaken this position.”