MEDIA RELEASE
31 July 2008
Proposed Changes To Regulation Of GM Crop Management
Proposals for new regulations for the management of genetically modified crops under the Hazardous Substances and New
Organisms Act are open for public input.
The proposed regulations were announced by Environment Minister Trevor Mallard today.
In accordance with the HSNO Act, the Minister has asked the Environmental Risk Management Authority to begin
consultation on the proposals and to report back by 22 August.
The purpose of the proposed changes is to provide a greater level of transparency, accountability and public openness in
the management of GM crops should they be approved for use in New Zealand.
The changes would prescribe requirements for segregation and traceability schemes that the Authority would have
particular regard to when considering applications to conditionally release a GM crop. A conditional release is one
subject to statutory controls.
Public consultation on the proposed changes is open for submissions until 5pm, Friday 15 August 2008.
Consultation documents and information on how to make a submission can be accessed through the ERMA New Zealand website
at www.ermanz.govt.nz
ENDS