Small micro-farmers in Tasmania look toward a bleak future due to over regulation.
As the previous CEO of the Rice Industry in Australia, I can't help but lament over the sheer stupidity that prohibits senior policy makers from finding the brain cells to develop 'scaled' policy solutions to key issues facing businesses.
Why are businesses constantly fighting for survival, under both major parties?
In Tasmania the Government is seeking to treat micro-farmers with 2 hectares or less - who grow the most amazing fresh and safe produce for their community - THE SAME as large scale operations that are owned by wealthy foreign investors.
Tasmanian's have a rich history of driving country roads and grabbing the finest produce from stalls and markets.
I know: I grew up in Geeveston.
And yet, here we have a sneaky regulatory review process that seeks to force micro-farmers to comply with the same regulatory environment as large foreign owned producers.
Yes food safety is important. But as it's been proven, the concerns raised by the Department to substantiate the review, were NOT caused by micro farmers at all. The concerns were linked to 'large-scale' operations and 'imports'.
The Government agreed to include in the consultation paper, a proposed Tiered Model. They reneged on that promise. It was sneaky and it was unfair. It has left small micro-farmers with an uncertain future.
Moreover, the 'solutions' proposed by the Department are not evidenced based, proportionate to the risks, or practical. And, what trust was there with farmers, has now been unnecessarily eroded by the Department.
On many fronts Tasmania risks losing something no other jurisdiction has: locational advantage. Tasmania is unique. Unique = value.
The policy solution to this issue is easy: educate, work with, build relationships and develop a tiered model that values 'micro-producers' who farm on 2 hectares or less.
ATM the Department is asking industry to wait: while they read the submissions. Again it's unfair.
Gavin Pearce (The Minister) simply needs to come out and clearly argue a tiered model is the model that will be implemented. Ease concerns and work with this amazing sector to find and implement solutions.
We are all tired of needing to fight for our survival. And this is an easy fix.