Auckland 14 September, 2001. Greenpeace questioned the blatant contradiction in Fonterra’s statement on genetic
engineering today.
Fonterra’s CEO Craig Norgate stated that any support for genetic engineering ‘does not mean that we wish to use
genetically modified ingredients in our products.’
“Although hailing the unrealistic promises of genetic engineering, the reality is that Fonterra do not want to use GE in
their dairy. Fonterra’s blind support for genetic engineering assumes people are going to start accepting GE in their
food chain. World market trends are quite the opposite,” said Annette Cotter, Greenpeace Campaigner.
“People don’t want GE in their food or their environment, which is why Fonterra won’t use GE in their dairy. Why on
earth don’t we make the most of this and ensure an ongoing market advantage, rather than doggedly pursuing a GE dead
end.
“The refusal of NZ dairy foods in Sri Lanka earlier this year (1) confirms market rejection of GE, and Fonterra is
uniquely poised to supply GE free dairy to the world.
“By ignoring the wishes of the public, and bullying the government over NZ’s GE free status, Fonterra’s behaviour is
completely inappropriate and economically nonsensical,” said Cotter.
(1) The dairy products couldn’t be proven to be GE free, therefore they were rejected by Sri Lanka who has a GE free
policy.