Posted on 1-10-2002
GE
Free NZ On Death Row
From AP (Alternative Press) (Photo shows Greenpeace activists
locking on to
the Federal Pescadores anchored in Auckland Harbour)
Public Confidence in ERMA destroyed by decision on GE Cows and
plans for
"Conditional Release". It is time for Government to reconsider
a
Parliamentary Commissioner on Biotechnology to protect the public
interest.
ERMA "put on notice" over foreseen contamination from 'Pharming'
as New
Zealand animals become chemical bio-reactors.
ERMA's response to the Agresearch GE cow application GMD 2028
weakens New
Zealand's biosecurity and regulation of biotechnology. The decision
is also
likely to be challenged in the courts. The decision fails to
adequately
address basic issues of economic and environmental damage, alternative
research as suggested by the Royal Commission, scientific containment
or
issues of culture and ethics. "The decision needs to be scrutinised,
but it
seems that ERMA has capitulated to our overseas export-image."
says Jon
Carapiet, spokesperson for GE-Free NZ in food and environment.commercial
interest over good science and the public interest. 'The alternatives
suggested by the Royal Commission are being ignored. The result
is Big
business 1, community- imput Nil." In the light of this decision
the
Government's review of ERMA must include action to build confidence
in the
Authority amongst independent scientists and the public before
it reaches
rockbottom.
ERMA's support for "a "Conditional release" category for GM
products is a
concerning sign that the Authority are in denial of overseas
problems with
GE release. "There is sufficient evidence available to show
that GE
constructs spread unless kept contained. With Pharming now developing
-Containment to guarantee segregation from conventional production
is the
only way to protect Public Health. "Are ERMA , or Life Sciences
companies
like AgResearch pretending ignorance of the growing body of
evidence as a
defence against Liability? There are legal exemptions for damage
which is
'unforseen'. New applications of GE have concerned scientists
and the wider
community putting ERMA on notice," says Mr Carapiet. "Development
of
'Pharming' using GM animals or crops to produce medical-drugs
makes it
vital that Zero threshold of GM-system contamination in food
is achievable.
The Minister of Health also has responsibility to ensure this
prevention of
a significant public health risk. "The public want ERMA to show
WHY they
believe they can prevent GE contamination when all others failed."
"ERMA's pretence at managing risk is no more credible than a
gambler at a
casino."
Jon Carapiet 09 815 3370
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