Greenpeace claims astounding
Today’s protest by Greenpeace, that the Prime Minister’s comments at the Fieldays were “political posturing” and
degrading of the GE debate, are quite extraordinary the Chairman of the Life Sciences Network, Dr William Rolleston said
today.
“These are the same anti-GM protestors who have decided, through the Green Party, to try to make the election a virtual
referendum on GE and therefore to try to set aside the work of the Royal Commission on GM.
“The gall of their comments is unbelievable. But I suppose we shouldn’t be surprised.
“After all, the anti-GM brigade demanded a Royal Commission, got what they wanted and then didn’t like the outcome. Ever
since, they’ve been trying to put the knife into the efforts of all those New Zealanders who spent huge amounts of time
and money providing information so the Royal Commission could come up with carefully considered recommendations – which
rejected the GE-Free option.
“Now they don’t like being reminded of their defeat and resort to cheap shots against the messenger.
“Greenpeace has never engaged in a debate – it has only ever tried to force its on minority opinion on the rest of New
Zealand, inventing facts if no real ones were available.
“It is mischievous and untrue to say GM products are losing market share around the world. All recent surveys by
reputable independent organisations shows farmers are continuing to adopt GM crops at a high rate because they are
easier to manage, deliver better environmental results and yield more per hectare than either conventional or organic
production methods.
“Greenpeace should try looking at the real facts rather inventing specious arguments in the hope of scaring voters,”
concluded Dr Rolleston.
ENDS