Posted
20th September 2001
Anderton - Grasslands Or Grassroots
Deputy Prime Minister and Alliance leader Jim Anderton is concerned
that the Alliance position on genetic modification position
is being deliberately misinterpreted by people who wish to polarise
the debate. "The Alliance has taken a considered, pragmatic
approach. We have stated we believe there should be a further
moratorium on non-contained genetically modified organisms until
the technology is proven to be safe. "If organisations such
as the Grassland Association interpret this as a ban forever
then obviously they have no confidence in GMOs ever being proved
to be safe. If they know something we don't about GM then they
should share it for the benefit of everyone. "We know there
are consumer and export industry concerns about GM and we need
to be sensitive to this. Our reputation as a clean, green, food
producer is absolutely paramount for our export markets," said
Jim Anderton.
The
Alliance has said that the same restrictions should apply to
field trials during a new moratorium as applied during the successful
moratorium of 2000/01. This does not disallow field trials but
ensures that where reproductive structures develop these must
be removed to prevent the escape of genetically modified material.
"We have stated that we support New Zealand laboratory based
research into genetically modified organisms. We have no difficulty
with research that is contained. No other position can possibly
preserve opportunities," said Jim Anderton.
The
Royal Commission found uncertainties about the risks and effects
of genetic modification on the environment, human health and
our economy. The Commission concluded that more research is
needed before genetically modified organisms could be released
and the Alliance position is consistent with this. "I welcomed
the Royal Commission's report because the Alliance called for
it in the first place," said Jim Anderton....
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