PIRSA has released a discussion paper and draft regulations for the legal cultivation of poppies in SA.
The proposed regulations cover licensing, inspection and enforcement provisions, offences, and provisions for the ongoing management of the industry.
Potential growers will need to meet certain conditions including a contract with one of Australia’s three licensed poppy processors, SAPOL checks, and take steps to protect their opium crops from misuse.
It is the next step after the Controlled Substances Act 1984 was amended in state parliament late last year, giving SA farmers the same opportunities as those in Tas, Vic and NT to grow poppies to be manufactured into painkillers and anaesthetics.
Biosecurity SA executive director Will Zacharin said there had been 19 people express interest in growing the crop, mostly from the South East. The first SA crops could be grown in 2017.
The community is encouraged to provide feedback by June 17.
- Details: pir.sa.gov.au/poppycultivation