Criticism of consumer research on GE is mischievous

The attempt by GE-Free NZ to cast doubt on the latest research into consumer attitudes about GM food can only be described as mischievous the Chairman of the Life Sciences Network Dr William Rolleston said today.

“This research, which was undertaken in accordance with appropriate ethical guidelines, records consumer attitudes which GE-Free NZ doesn’t want to hear. Therefore they try to discredit the research so no-one else can hear the message either. That is the sort of fundamentalism which continues to give GE-Free NZ a bad name.

“The research clearly shows that a significant majority of New Zealanders are comfortable with the idea of improving the taste of apples by using gene technology to insert genes from other apples. The research also shows people are more concerned about pesticides in their food than about genetic engineering.

“GE-Free NZ spokesman, Jon Carapiet doesn’t like these answers because they undermine the frequent assertion that most New Zealanders are against GM technology. This research, and other research reported in October last year, shows that the public can make informed decisions when full information is made available.

“The GE-Free NZ response is to raise spurious arguments and dubious “evidence” top support their Luddite position.

“Over the next few weeks the anti-GM rhetoric and mythology will be put to the test. The hollowness of the GE-Free position will be exposed as thoroughly during the election campaign as it was during the hearings of the Royal Commission on GM. We are confident that New Zealanders will choose a future where our opportunities are preserved rather than cut off,” concluded Dr Rolleston.
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