Sensible Alliance position on GE

Auckland, 3 September 2001. Greenpeace today applauded the Alliance’s calls for the rejection of GE in the environment.

“Alliance’s position is the only sensible response to all the questions and concerns raised by the Royal Commission on Genetic Engineering. There are so many unknowns about this science that we cannot take the unacceptable risk of releasing GE into our environment. Clearly the Alliance have recognised this,” said Annette Cotter, Greenpeace Campaigner.

In its rejection of GE the Alliance has also rejected conditional release and buffer zones and stated that “under no circumstances should New Zealand’s natural environment be put under threat.”

“The Alliance has seen through the rhetoric and developed a policy that will not compromise our current GM free agriculture and environment,” said Cotter.

“The release of genetically engineered organisms into the environment is irreversible. Once out, there’s no going back. A ‘keep it in the lab’ policy is a conservative and sensible policy for the government to take.”

“This is an issue that people feel very strongly about. Field trials are a threat to our environment and clean green image. More and more people are embracing the vision of a GE free NZ and drawing the line at the lab door. It’s very encouraging that Alliance recognise this sentiment and this vision.”

“The diversity of people at the Auckland GE-free rally in the weekend confirmed that the average New Zealander has serious concerns with the issue. Over 10 000 people marching in the rain sends a clear GE-free New Zealand message to the Government.” Ms Cotter said.

Contact Annette Cotter 021 565 175, or Brendan Lynch 025 790 817

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