Green Party Marlborough MP Ian Ewen-Street today challenged local National MP Dr Lynda Scott to join the campaign for Marlborough to become a GE-free zone.

After a successful rally in Marlborough today for a GE-free Marlborough, Mr Ewen-Street said the concept was gaining momentum in the area and it was important that people knew where the region's local and national politicians stood on the issue.

"While the local people rally behind the vision of a GE-free Marlborough, I challenge Dr Scott to tell us whether she either supports the idea and the people of Marlborough or if she is going to push the National Party line that releasing genetically engineered organisms into the environment is good for the country and good for business.

"Increasingly the National Party position on this issue is going to further isolate them from most New Zealanders," said Mr Ewen-Street.

"People all round this country are supporting the Green vision of a unique, GE-free nation that attracts the most discerning tourists and provides our export markets with the cleanest, greenest, safest food in the world."

Mr Ewen-Street said genetic engineering in the laboratory was acceptable to most people but that genetically engineered organisms released into the environment could cripple Marlborough's thriving wine and agriculture industries, because of the huge international consumer backlash against genetically engineered foods.

"I applaud the people of Marlborough for pushing to make sure this vision of a GE-free Marlborough becomes a reality. I challenge Dr Lynda Scott to join the people in supporting a GE-free Marlborough."

Ends

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