Greens salute Kaipara GE decision

The Greens welcome Kaipara District Council's announcement today that it will limit the release of genetically engineered organisms after the scheduled lifting of the GE moratorium in October.

Green Agriculture Spokesperson Ian Ewen-Street MP said today he applauded the council and Mayor Graeme Ramsey for their foresight and common sense on this fundamentally important issue.

"Their decision is based on the highly sensible precautionary principle - where you don't do anything until you are certain of the outcome," Mr Ewen-Street said.

"In the case of GE, not enough is scientifically known about how GE organisms will react in the environment if released.

"Kaipara District Council obviously recognises that there is no demand, or negative demand from consumers for GE food.

"GE will cause a dramatic decline in farmgate returns if let out of the lab, as outlined in the BERL-led report on the economics of GE food production.

"The report stated that a 20 per cent reduction in demand for exports of dairy, meat and fruit as a result of GE release in New Zealand could lead to a 43 per cent reduction in producer returns," Mr Ewen-Street said.

"More and more people, including farmers and councils, are voicing their opposition to GE release into field and food. The Government must listen. Our democratic rights must not be trampled by the desires of big business."

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