Genetically Modified Menagerie Puts Reputation At Risk
Thursday, October 30 , 2008
Organics Aotearoa New Zealand (OANZ) has lodged a submission to the Environmental Risk Management Authority (ERMA)
opposing AgResearch's application to introduce a range of genetically modified animals, saying that it would undermine
ERMA's authority and risks New Zealand's 'clean green' international reputation.
OANZ Chief Executive Officer, Dr Jon Tanner, also criticized AgResearch's applications as seeking unrestricted time
limits for a number of farms around the country to raise a genetically modified menagerie.
"This application is so broad that it provides no oversight on what kinds of animals would be raised where or when -
undermining the transparency, accountability and independence that Kiwis demand from ERMA", Dr Tanner said.
"The inter-governmental International Assessment of Agricultural Knowledge, Science and Technology for Development
report from April 2008 identifies that genetic modification globally is not resulting in the productivity gains which
scientists predicted would be possible. This report is endorsed by many of New Zealand's major trading partner
governments, particularly in Europe.
"Our international trade and tourism relies on New Zealand's reputation as responsible environmental stewards. ERMA is
being asked to risk this on the basis of phantom productivity gains and the vague promise of potential pharmaceuticals -
at least some of which AgResearch's application admits could be made without genetic modification.
"The future of farming lies in high-value premium productions - including certified organics - rather than 'lowest
common denominator' genetically modified products which are expensive, risky and controversial to both develop and bring
to market.
"By turning down genetic modification field trials, New Zealand stands to gain a competitive advantage over other
countries which have already forfeited their food chain to GM contamination.
"New Zealand is at a crossroads between championing sustainable agriculture - which provides premium prices, ensures the
integrity of our food chain and builds on our international environmental reputation - and continuing the 'race to the
bottom' of farmers working ever-harder to produce standard commodities", Dr Tanner said.
The submission is available from OANZ's website - www.oanz.org.nz - or by emailing info@oanz.org.nz.
ENDS