August 5, 2002
GE Provides Opportunity To Enhance Sustainability
The ability to commercialise new gene technology products when the moratorium on GM commercialisation expires next year
will provide many opportunities for New Zealand to increase its commitment to sustainable development, the Chairman of
the Life Sciences Network, Dr William Rolleston said today.
“Early adoption of crops which have been modified to use less herbicides and pesticides will improve water quality and
reduce exposure of workers to chemicals; early development of genetically engineered carrots to reduce possum
populations will have huge positive impacts on the sustainability of our native forests and our dairy industry; early
development of reduced lignin pine trees will mean major reductions in the use of harsh chemicals in the word processing
industry.
“These, and many other developments currently under examination in laboratories in New Zealand and overseas, will give
real meaning to the desire for sustainable development.
“Gene technology will also give real meaning to the “clean and green” label we are all so proud of but which currently
lacks real substance. We will also be able to be much cleaner and greener if we use gene technology selectively to gain
environmental, health and economic benefits.
“We must also remember sustainability is not only about the environment. It is also about economic sustainability and
sustainability of our way of life,” concluded Dr Rolleston.
Ends