Media Statement For immediate release Friday, 10 October 2003
Baldock: GM - less moratorium; more management
GMOs are a reality and it's time the focus shifted from "pseudo-moratoriums" to preparing regulations and managing the
risks, United Future environment spokesman Larry Baldock said today.
Speaking from The Hague after a week of meetings with British, Dutch and German scientific, agricultural, trade and
political figures, Mr Baldock said it was clear that New Zealand was addressing very similar issues to those faced in
Britain and Europe.
"And it is also very clear that the public needs to learn a lot more about genetic modification.
"The reality is that it exists and there is no going back - no matter how much some sectors of society may wish that
that could happen," he said.
"European parliamentarians and government officials are generally convinced that GMOs are here to stay and that the
responsible thing for them to do is to prepare regulations and manage the risks while addressing genuine public concern
rather than extending pseudo moratoriums that only put off the inevitable," he said
Having spoken with those involved in comprehensive British public consultation and also those from the UK's Science
Panel, Mr Baldock said that "while there was still strong public opposition, the consultation had revealed a great lack
of understanding on GMO issues".
Everyone is looking to the release next week of the results of four years of British field trials, he said.
"Several authorities that I have met this week have commented on the robustness of the New Zealand regulatory regime and
looked with some envy at the calling powers the Minister has been given in order to address the economic effects of
GMOs.
"Countries in the European Union do not have this measure of control.
"The result of all my discussions leaves me further convinced that New Zealand is taking the right approach and the
moratorium should be lifted to enable a case-by-case analysis of applications."
Ends.