Scoop has an Ethical Paywall
GE Wheat Trial To Be Closely Watched
Neil Barton, Chairman of the Grains Council of Federated Farmers, said today that an application to test wheat genetically modified to be resistant to the herbicide Roundup would be closely considered by the Grains Council and its members.
The Environmental Risk Management Authority (ERMA) announced yesterday that it had received an application by Monsanto to field test in containment, genetically modified wheat.
The application is for contained trials to take place in the Canterbury region.
"Grains Council members will be interested in this application. Federated Farmers will be consulting with its members and seeking to ensure that trial conditions, such as containment, will be adequate," said Mr Barton.
"At this stage, there is no application to release any genetically modified wheat. We are still a long way off from farmers making any decision whether or not to grow modified wheat. ERMA would first have to consider whether there are any risks to public health and the environment," he concluded.
ENDS
Business Canterbury: Urges Council To Cut Costs, Not Ambition For City
Wellington Airport: On Track For Net Zero Emissions By 2028
Landcare Research: ANZAC Gall Fly Release Promises Natural Solution To Weed Threat
NZ Anti-Vivisection Society: Auckland Rat Lovers Unite!
University of Canterbury: $1.35 Million Grant To Study Lion-like Jumping Spiders
Federated Farmers: Government Ends War On Farming
