Tasmanian Alkaloids annual Grower Award presentation at the Launceston Grand Chancellor was attended by over 350 farmers, industry representatives and guests on Wednesday, April 29th, 2009.

Top Crop winners (left to right): Christopher Rockliff (with Brian Hartnett presenting the Top Thebaine crop award) and Grant Chugg (Top Morphine crop).

Field Operations manager Rick Rockliff spoke about the past season saying that "while the season had remained incredibly dry, it was a credit to our growers' skills and their investment in private irrigation infrastructure, that so many had still achieved very good returns".

"The introduction of the new Thebaine variety 'TED' on a limited scale last season proved very successful, and had set a world record for Thebaine production per hectare. It will be used exclusively this season, and growers could look forward to good returns."

Tasmanian Alkaloids will be contracting 9000 hectares this coming season.

Managing Director Brian Hartnett gave an overview of the world opiate market, saying: "Tasmania is without a doubt the clear leader of the global opiates industry. Productivity is far better than in any other country. This has been achieved by a unique collaboration of Government, Industry and Growers. We are determined to retain and strengthen our lead by the application of excellent science in Tasmania."

"TasAlk continues to transform the global opiates industry. The Company has the long term strategic aim to grow single alkaloid poppy types which contain high levels of the alkaloids required by the industry. Traditionally, Morphine poppies are grown and chemical conversion in factories is used to provide pharmaceutical actives. TasAlk prefers to let the plants in the fields do the work in a sustainable, renewable way using solar energy."

"Having become the global leader in Thebaine production, TasAlk is now set to lead the way forward with natural Codeine from the newly invented 'Tasman' poppy. The 'Tasman' poppy has been described by an industry expert "as a tsunami about to sweep over the global opiates industry". We are specially proud that these transformational innovations of global significance are being made in Tasmania."

"We welcome announcements from the Government on enhanced water availability for summer irrigation which is very much needed to maintain our forward momentum. TasAlk is very confident of future success and growth", Mr Hartnett concluded.

Dr Tony Fist then gave an overview of the Agricultural Research & Development work his team are engaged in with particular reference to the new Codeine poppy ('Tasman') and its significance to the world opiate industry.

Travel awards of $10,000 were presented to the Top Thebaine grower: Peter, Julie & Chris Rockliff of Sassafras, and Top Morphine grower: Grant & Lorraine Chugg of Relbia.

Previous Winners...