Country Women Reject Genetic Engineering

The New Zealand Country Women’s Institute passed motions at last weeks annual general meeting calling for compulsory labelling of all genetically engineered food ingredients and a ban on imports of engineered seeds and produce.

The first motion calling for labelling was passed unanimously and the second motion calling for bans on imports was passed.

National Secretary of the Country Women’s Institute Brenda Harden said the motions were passed with very little discussion because delegates had “done their homework and made up their minds”. Harden said delegates felt “very strongly” on the issue, which reflected sentiments in the wider community.

The Country Women’s Institute is New Zealand’s largest women’s group with over 14,000 members. It has existed for 77 years and undertakes voluntary community work. Over half of the organisation’s members live in urban areas.

Today there is an ANZFA (Australia New Zealand Food Authority) meeting in Australia which is expected to make decisions on what genetically engineered foods should be labelled and how. Scoop will update you as soon as information is released.

ENDS

© Scoop Media