Call for MAF to improve biosecurity protocols
GE Free (NZ) is calling on MAF to improve their biosecurity protocols for seed imports into NZ to ensure that the
current zero tolerance standard for GE contamination remains in place. “To date, MAF's monitoring of such contamination
has been poor,” said spokesperson Claire Bleakley. This puts NZ's primary producers, economy and environment at risk.”
GE Free (NZ) is particularly concerned that MAF has permitted farmers to replant maize or sweet corn at a number of
North Island sites where the illegal GE-contaminated maize Liberty Link T25 was discovered last year. Planting has
occurred despite concerns raised by local authorities and primary producers about GE volunteers (generally volunteers
are plants that haven't been planted but have planted themselves).
"As corn is wind pollinated, it (the pollen) can travel miles. If care is not taken, even a small amount of GE pollen
can cause extensive contamination" said Claire Bleakley of GE Free (NZ) in food and environment.
“Pollution from GMOs cannot be controlled once in the open environment. MAF should improve its biosecurity protocols now
to avoid further problems.
Liberty Link GE corn plants contain an antibiotic marker gene, bacterial insecticidal proteins (Bt) and viral gene
fragments in every cell of the plant. Crops producing Bt proteins continually manufacture their own insecticidal toxins,
which are always present at high levels within the plant.
Published experiments have shown immune system damage, heart and kidney abnormalities and blood disorders in laboratory
animals fed with GE crops. No clinical
diagnostic tools are available to test for adverse effects in humans.
”MAF must ensure that any fields that contained GE contaminated maize are not replanted with maize or sweet corn,” said
[……...]. A recent British study has shown that GE canola seed can still be viable after 15 years. It is also possible
that stray GE corn seed may remain viable for some years. Weedkillers such as Roundup are unlikely to kill GE seed
Japan and Europe, two of New Zealand’s major trading partners, specify that non-GE crops, which command a premium price,
must contain no GE DNA.
GE-FreeNZ has urged MAF to move swiftly to protect farmers and the environment from GE contamination by improving their
biosecurity procedures.
ENDS
References:
Lutman PJW et al , 2005. Persistence of seeds from crops of conventional and herbicide tolerant oilseed rape (Brassica
napus). Proc.R.Soc B (2005) 272, 1909-1915 22nd September 2005.
Roundup Ready Sudden Death, Superweeds, Allergens. Time to Wipe GM Crops Off the Globe. Dr. Mae-Wan Ho and Prof. Joe
Cummins update on the failures of the most widely planted GM crop. ISIS Press Release 03/10/05
http://www.i-sis.org.uk/RRSDSA.php
Sustainability Council of NZ Media Release of 17 Aug 05
http://www.sustainabilitynz.org/news_item.asp?sID=150
"Strong Public Support for Zero Tolerance to GM Contamination" There has been very limited reform of border detection
systems since the
illegal GE breach in 2003 and the review this triggered. MAF's current test
for imported seed uses such a small sample size that around 5% of the time, the single test required will not show up
GMOs at concentrations of 0.1% or less. New Zealand food producers that are serious about detecting GM content use
between two and fifteen times the sample size MAF requires. Trebling the number of seeds used would reduce from 5% to 1%
the chances of the border test missing GM contamination at a level of 0.1%.