Tasmania extends GMO crop ban

The Tasmanian government will indefinitely extend a ban on genetically modified crops and animals in the state.

Deputy Premier Bryan Green said the government wanted to continue the state's moratorium on genetically modified organisms (GMOs), which has been in place since 2001.

"There will be no end date specified for the moratorium to provide a positive incentive for Tasmanian businesses to invest in marketing and brand development," Mr Green said on Thursday.

Mr Green said the ban would help promote the image of Tasmanian products.

"Tasmania's island status and our biosecurity system mean that our food and agricultural industries are well-placed to take advantage of the state's GMO-free status," he said.

Mr Green said the ban would not apply to poppies grown in the state for pharmaceutical use.