GE Scientists Warn Against GE Food

UK scientists who are themselves genetic engineers, have published a review of research into GMOs and warned against believing claims made for their benefits and safety (1).

The warning comes just days after it was revealed that biotechnology company Syngenta had deliberately hidden the death of animals that had been fed one of its GE products(2).

The findings are further evidence that the scientific establishment's uncritical support for GE foods is based on out-dated understanding of the complex systems underpinning genetics and living systems.

"The Royal Society and other organisations like the Science Media Centre have failed to take a long-term view of the potential impacts of GE foods," says Jon Carapiet spokesman for GE-Free NZ in food and environment.

"Just on the basis of the latest evidence from epigenetics they should recant their blind support for Monsanto and others pushing transgenic agriculture, and demand a halt to official approvals of GE foods like the latest 2,4-d resistant crops, 'stacked' so they can be sprayed with multiple herbicides."

New Zealand is free from commercial GE crops, and our economic interest is to remain so, rather than to join what has become a race to the bottom for environmental contamination and degradation. But there are hidden risks from vested interests pushing their own barrow.

Even within the leadership of Federated Farmers and amongst people regarded as the leaders in the scientific community, there are financial interests at play. Unfortunately these vested interests are driving Government policy and taking funding away from public good science like marker-assisted breeding, and instead promoting their pet GE-projects.

"The foxes are in charge of the scientific hen-house. They are so bold and free of moral judgement that they now promote getting into deals with multinationals that have poor records internationally for ethical business practices and research. They seem all too willing to turn a blind eye to the risks to current and future generations," says Jon Carapiet.
ENDS

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Metservice: Where Will Snow Fall And What To Look Out For

The deep Antarctic air that is expected to sweep across the country this week is bringing very significant weather to many provinces.Here's the official MetService view of the key weather concerns for the country.

MetService Media and Communications Meteorologist Dan Corbett commented,"While snow will be a major issue for those in the South Island, wind and hail will affect many North Island districts."

Snow is expected to fall to sea level, or very near it, from Southland to South Canterbury from late Wednesday into Thursday and Friday. The snow level is expected to rise to 200m from about Christchurch northwards... More>>