About Us
Keith Rice with Dr Jason Scott, Senior Research Fellow, Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture, University of Tasmania
– conducting Systemic Downy Mildew Research. Read his ARC Linkage Project report here
Representing Tasmanian Poppy Growers
Poppy Growers Tasmania Inc (PGT) is the peak poppy grower organisation in Tasmania charged with representing the interests of the state’s approximate 450 poppy growers at all levels of industry and government – local, state, national and international.
PGT’s only source of funding is from voluntary growers levies and it represents approximately 85% of Tasmania’s poppy growers.
Farm Gate Value
The poppy industry is a strong economic driver in context of Tasmanian agriculture.
With the State’s mild maritime climate and world class irrigation system, poppies make an ideal rotational crop for many mixed farming enterprises.
Operational
The principal operations of PGT are to ensure that the policies and concerns of Tasmanian poppy growers are recognised by industry, the wider community and at all levels of government and are given a high degree of consideration at all levels of the decision making process.
Great emphasis is placed upon industry security that accords with the United Nations Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs, 1961 (as amended by the 1972 protocol).
Grower Levies at Work
Tasmanian Poppy Stats
Up to 30,000 ha of poppies have been grown in Tasmania. Independent studies indicate Tasmania conservatively has 45,000 ha of land available to grow poppies on a year in year out sustainable basis.
Approximately $50 to $100M depending on market demand
Approximately 3 to 4 multiplier = $300/400 Million
Approximately 300 full time employees by poppy companies
approximately 150 full time employees by contractors, suppliers and advisers
approximately 350 full time employees by farmers
800 full time equivalents
Committee Members
| Name | Contact Numbers | District |
|---|---|---|
Michael Nichols – President | 0409 451 430 | Circular Head |
Phillipa (Pip) Webster - Vice President | 0438 046 149 | Southern Midlands |
Tom Edgell - Treasurer | 0438 595 515 | Derwent Valley/Bothwell |
Colin Chaplin | 0419 380 413 | Sassafras/Devonport East/Moriarty/Sheffield |
| Gavin Clark | 0418 576 653 | Hagley/Elizabeth Town |
| Stuart Coles | 0437 021 478 | Hagley/Elizabeth Town |
| Andrew Dowling | 0407 406 229 | Northern Midlands/Cressy/Fingal |
| Marcus Harris | 0407 872 024 | Sassafras/Devonport East/Moriarty/Sheffield |
| Rodney Jones | 0418 656 630 | Forth/Ulverstone/Penguin/Burnie |
Josh Langmaid | 0418 329 508 | Forth/Ulverstone/Penguin/Burnie |
Phillip Loane | 0418 104 422 | Sassafras/Devonport East/Moriarty/Sheffield |
Stewart McGee | 0417 920 750 | Northern Midlands/Cressy/Fingal |
| Phillip Partridge | 0400 636 836 | Scottsdale/North East |
| Walter Thompson | 0417 552 529 | Coal River |
Glynn Williams | 0419 895 332 | Forth/Ulverstone/Penguin/Burnie |
Howard Nichol - Chief Executive | 0474 149 861 | Poppy Growers Tasmania Inc. |