NZ's GE-Free status at risk
An application to field test genetically engineered broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower and forage kale must not proceed, the
Green Party says.
Health and Safe Food Spokesperson Sue Kedgley says it is clear that the purpose of the planned field tests at Lincoln is
to prepare to grow the crops commercially.
The application, lodged with ERMA by Crop and Food Research, is for permission to field test genetically engineered
insect resistant broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, and forage Brassica (forage kale) for a period of 10 years.
"There is every chance of cross contamination, particularly with brassica, and we should not take this risk," Ms Kedgley
says.
"Brassica is a common weed in New Zealand and if it is contaminated with an insecticide resistant strain, the impact
could be enormous.
"Once the GE Genie is out of the bottle there is no way to put it back in. This is potentially very damaging to New
Zealand's agricultural sector, and who will pay compensation if there are cases of accidental contamination? Will Crop
and Food Research guarantee, as part of its application, that it will foot the bill for any compensation?
"New Zealanders have already made it clear - they do not want their food and especially fresh vegetables - genetically
engineered. So what on earth is the point in creating genetically engineered vegetables when there is clearly no market
for them?
"The application will be advertised in newspapers around the country tomorrow and I urge New Zealanders to put pen to
paper and voice their concerns," Ms Kedgley says.
ends