The Green Party have welcomed news that genetic engineering giant Monsanto has bowed to international pressure and
offered to help plant breeders create crops using traditional methods.
"Monsanto should show that this is more than a PR stunt for the UK market and call off their genetic engineering field
trials in New Zealand," said Green Party Agriculture spokesperson Ian Ewen-Street.
Monsanto has offered to open up its databases to help plant breeders cross-breed new crops without the use of genetic
engineering. The announcement came after Monsanto requested meetings with the British Soil Association.
Mr Ewen-Street said Monsanto's change of heart showed how surprised the company was at the global rejection of genetic
engineering and was a "major victory for the GE-free food lobby."
"The significance of this announcement shouldn't be underestimated," said Mr Ewen-Street. "This move shows that
concerted public pressure has forced Monsanto to fundamentally rethink their position on genetic engineering."
Ian Ewen-Street said although the development was welcome, it was hardly surprising. "Genetic engineering is, quite
simply, bad economics," he said. "Huge international markets are rejecting genetically engineered crops and food in
favour of safe organically grown produce. The public have seen through the GE industry's public relations
misinformation.
"This technology is on the way out. Nobody wants it. New Zealand must recognise this now and declare ourselves a genetic
engineering free nation," said Ian Ewen-Street.
"Our future advantage lies in producing the cleanest, safest food in the world, not embracing technology that other
countries cannot get rid of fast enough."
"Now the question must be asked - why are Monsanto prepared to back down overseas while still vigorously pursuing
genetic engineering in New Zealand?"
ENDS