Organisms produced using the SDN-1 technique contain no foreign DNA and therefore are not classed as genetically modified organisms (GMOs). SDN-1 techniques encourage a natural cell process to introduce variations that can produce desirable traits such as drought tolerance, higher productivity or greater nutritional value in plants.
Minister for Primary Industries and Water, Gavin Pearce, said our Liberal Government is delivering for Tasmanians and the industries that put food on the table.
"Tasmania has always taken a cautious, evidence-based approach to gene technology, and we are the last jurisdiction to green light SDN-1's in Australia.
"Our main trading partners and competitors don't treat SDN-1 organisms as GMOs, and our producers want access to the benefits of this technology to level the playing field.
The GMO Environmental Scan, consultation report and updated gene technology policy framework are available on the NRE Tas website: www.nre.tas.gov.au/GMO
TasFarmers CEO, Nathan Calman, said the global agricultural landscape is rapidly changing.
"SDN-1 technology represents a significant leap forward in plant breeding, offering precision, efficiency, and the ability to address challenges such as climate adaptation, pest resistance, and productivity, without introducing foreign DNA," Mr Calman said.
Chair of DairyTas, Luke McNab, said with this change, Tasmania's pasture-based dairy sector will avoid unfair and growing competitive disadvantage.
"Allowing SDN-1 breeding techniques means Tasmania's dairy farmers will have access to next generation forage species."
"SDN-1 is an important technology that will be used by the Tasmanian poppy industry to identify opportunities to improve crop yields and alkaloid assay levels, as well as reduce growers' cost of production."
