GM Decision
Tuesday 30 October 2001 For Immediate
Release
GM Decision
Fonterra Co-operative Group
Ltd says it can live with the policy announced by the New
Zealand Government today on research into genetic
modification.
“The policy allows our scientists to
make field trial applications to the Environmental Risk
Management Authority when they need to. Science can go on
in New Zealand and that’s good for our company and better
for New Zealand,” CEO Craig Norgate said.
“The policy
does include restrictions and conditions that appear to go
beyond what can be justified by sound science and common
sense assessments of risk. We believe we can live with
them, bearing in mind they will make us less competitive in
this crucial area than we could be.”
Mr Norgate
emphasised that Fonterra does not wish to use GM material in
its products at this time but that it is important for New
Zealand to keep its options open for the future. Whilst
restrictions on commercial release are not scientifically
justified, they will have no impact on the company in the
short
term.
END