Wool, Opiates, Pyrethrum

Tasmanian Alkaloids

Tasmania is the world's biggest producer of legal raw opiates, generating yields of up to 15kg of poppy straw concentrate from each hectare planted. Production began in Australia some 30 years ago and Tasmania supplies some 40 percent of world demand for raw narcotics for the pharmaceuticals industry.

The cool, temperate climate allows good growing in the spring, while dry summers allow the crops to be harvested with little need for artificial drying. Tasmanian Alkaloids contracts some 1,200 local farmers to grow opium poppies, with total plantings approaching 20,000ha at times.

Contact name:

Tony Fist

Phone:

03 6393 5202

Email:

tfist@its.jnj.com

Website:

http://www.tasalk.com.au