About Us

Leaders in Poppy Production

The Tasmanian Poppy Industry was pioneered by Glaxo Australia in the early 1960s. It is one of the success stories of Australian agriculture and manufacturing.

Founded with the objective of providing a reliable and secure source of opiate alkaloids, GlaxoSmithKline has grown to become one of the world's major suppliers, with an international reputation for security, reliability and quality.

This growth has been based on the innovative development and usage of technology in all aspects of the operation, and has resulted in GlaxoSmithKline being recognised as the most cost-effective international producer.

GlaxoSmithKline continues to pioneer advances in the industry, providing world markets with a reliable and secure source of alkaloids for analgesic medicines.

Over 90% of the thebaine, codeine and morphine produced is sold to export markets.


Innovation

GlaxoSmithKline leads the industry with:

Innovative Research

  • to increase yield
  • to improve reliability
  • to reduce cost


Commercialisation of thebaine and Lontrel

  • adding value to Tasmanian Poppy Production


Payment systems

  • To encourage improved productivity, and to protect grower returns
  • Minimum payment introduced in 1991 to provide secure grower returns
  • Bonus incentive scheme introduced in 1997
  • New payment system introduced in 2000 to encourage and reward high productivity


Preparation

GlaxoSmithKline has undergone a managed expansion of crop area, combined with a balanced increase in drilling, harvesting and processing capacity.

Each stage of our operation is constantly reviewed to ensure we can combine growth with the level of efficiency, capacity and service which is required for success in poppy production.


Success

GlaxoSmithKline has established a viable and successful industry for Tasmania - which leads the World for reliability and efficiency - and is based on:

  • A successful partnership with growers
  • Profitable and reliable crop returns
  • Efficiency in all areas of crop production and processing
  • The reliable supply of a high quality, cost-competitive product to the World market
  • Continued development and progress of the Industry

The GlaxoSmithKline Poppy Operation is but one part of a World-wide operation.

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