Green Party praises Monsanto

The Green Party today welcomed Monsanto's decision to withdraw its application to field test genetically engineered wheat in New Zealand.

"This was to be one of the more significant outdoor field trials, but Monsanto obviously has taken heed of the mood of New Zealanders over the GE issue," party Safe Food Spokesperson Sue Kedgley said.

"It paves the way for a moratorium on all GE field trials".

Party Co-Leader Jeanette Fitzsimons said, "This announcement by Monsanto is part of a genetic engineering turning point for New Zealand. The change is driven by four main factors - a huge groundswell of public concern, a new Government, an imminent Royal Commission of Inquiry into GE and seven Green MPs holding the balance of power.

"Other genetic engineers should now follow Monsanto's lead, before starting new food field trials, and wait for what we hope will be a genuine in-depth Royal Commission on genetic engineering."

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