Approved GM Pine Tree Research for Foresty of the Future

Approved GM Pine Tree Research for Foresty of the Future

15 December 2010

NZBIO believes today’s approval by the Environmental Risk Management Authority to allow Scion to field test genetically modified pine trees will enable the CRI to continue its work to assess the commercial potential of new technologies for forestry future proofing the environment.

“NZBIO supported Scions application to ERMA in November of this year because it allows one of New Zealand’s most innovative research institutions to continue their world class research to develop trees that grow more quickly and produce improved wood. This wood can be used for innovative new renewable products including biofuels, biochemicals and bioplastics, providing opportunities to protect our environment and provide feedstock for bioenergy for future generations,” says Bronwyn Dilley, Chief Executive of NZBIO.

“Research, science and technology, including genetic modification, have an important role to play if New Zealand and the rest of the world are to cope with future challenges such as the issues of climate change and limited resources. Trees can be grown on marginal land providing biofuel feed stock to meet future world energy demands without competing with food production.”

The Scion field tests are subject to strict controls. The research will be conducted in containment at Scion’s secure site in Rotorua.

New Zealand’s regulatory environment provides certainty in the safety and quality of any new products. Future consumers of these wood derived products can be assured that the research will have been done within one of the world’s most respected and robust regulatory regimes.

ENDS\

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