www.gefree.org.nz

Press Release 30.10.01

The need for local GE Free zones has been highlighted by Labour's GE package. Under the guise of a moratorium, there appear to be no constraints on extensive commercial GE releases across the nation. Labour has effectively delivered us into the hands of agribusiness and pharmaceutical companies to become just another GE experiment.

"Nelson City council's decision supports the majority of concerned New Zealanders," says Don Murray of GEAN, "this contrasts with that of central government which not only ignored key recommendations of the Royal Commission but also failed to deliver on their election promises."

Members of GE Awareness Nelson, have called a public meeting to advise people on the government package and its implications. They are horrified at the governments response to GE, a feeling of betrayal and frustration at the laughable political decisions when the best option is for a GE Free New Zealand. Numerous reports show the advantages to our tourism and quality agricultural economy, which supplies the growing demand for GE Free food to world markets of a 'no field trial or release' policy.

No insurance is currently available to provide cover for householders, farmers or public health for any adverse effects of GE. Neither is liability insurance held by those experimenting in this technology. The public will be left to pay for any impact as the risks are 'socialised'.

The right to eat decent food and to grow our own GE Free vegetables will be lost and with patented seeds farmers will become tenants on their own land. The government should be ashamed of their decision to let the public 'eat GE cake' appearing to ignore massive public opinion which demands GE Free food and crops. The group states it will be reading the fine print of the report before identifying a future strategy but urge the public to become informed about the companies who have no GE Free policy and avoid eating GE foods whilst considerable doubts remain on its effects on our health.

A GE Free register already covers 100,000 acres nationwide and people can join the register by ringing 09 4388 649or on website www.gefreeregister.co.nz

Contact : Don Murray 03 539 1395
Susie Lees 03 546 7966

GE Free New Zealand
In Food And Environment (RAGE) Inc.
PO Box 693, Nelson Tel 03 548 6608 Fax 03 546 5036
gefree@ts.co.nz

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