Posted on 27-9-2002

Good Intentions Pave The Road To ...

GE Consultation risks going round in circles on issues of Liability and
deliberately ignores lessons from overseas. Guaranteeing existence GE-free
organisms is the true test of authority's credibility. The MFE consultation
document on the HSNO act, including "conditional release" of Genetically
Modified Organisms, is setting New Zealand on a road to hell albeit paved
with apparent 'good' intentions.

There are already signals that Authorities are deliberately ignoring
evidence on GE contamination from overseas by even considering "
conditional release". Co-existence of GE and Non-GE systems is becoming
impossible. "The idea of containing GM organisms through conditions on
release is nonsense. Buffers have proved not to work, and beekeepers have
found their honey contaminated by GE crops many kilometres away. We have
international contamination of seeds and the food supply to the point where
GE-free food cannot even be guaranteed. Those wanting to avoid GE
technology are lumbered with a kind of "technology tax" in the form extra
costs for segregation and labelling", says Jon Carapiet, a spokesperson
for GE-Free NZ (in food
and environment).

ERMA's and the Government's credibility are on the line because of their
support for the notion of conditional release. " They must think they are
"Miracle workers" who are able to contain the spread of GE constructs,
when nobody else in the world has been able to do so." says Mr Carapiet.
"There is clear evidence that the best strategic direction for
Biotechnology in Aotearoa/ New Zealand is to pursue ethical applications in
containment and leave our production systems GE-Free". "Maintaining the
supply of GE-free organisms- including GE-Free food-will be the true test
of authority's credibility. So far they are failing: already GE-free
products are under threat".

Of major concern is the discussion on Liability that appears to be going
around in circles. There has already been a detailed report on Liability
from Chen and Palmer following the Royal Commission's initial review. The
Crown Law Office has also compiled a major report indicating the need for
legislative reform relating to GM Liability. Yet the consultation document
states the Ministry has " not formed a view about liability and are not
proposing any changes". " It is time the government took action to end the
public's subsidy of the biotechnology industry. Biotech companies want to
patent GE organisms but will not accept liability for damage. They are
side-stepping a normal cost of doing business, which is also a vital
moderating influence " says Jon Carapiet.

The consultation document is expected to raise widespread concern because of
other indicators of government thinking. " They are talking about
'Pharming' herds of GE cows to produce pharmaceuticals but are ignoring
contamination at the micro-biological level. They are considering
'Terminator' genes that make seeds barren without mention that bees will
still take theGE pollen to their hives," says Mr Carapiet. However, the
consultation also signals the possibility of positive moves to improve
biosecurity. Funding for enforcement of existing laws may be increased.
The Ministerial powers allowing GE applications to be "called in" will also
be reviewed, as will the length of time allowed to ERMA to consider
applications, and to mount prosecutions for breaches of the law. " It is
not all bad, but the outcome will be more of a credibility-test for this
government than even the Royal Commission. The issues are of international
importance," says Mr Carapiet," and the world is watching."

Contact Jon Carapiet 09 815 3770