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.

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