Government Must Ensure Sound Science Prevails

Friday, 17 September 2004, 4:53 pm
Press Release: Life Sciences Network

LIFE SCIENCES NETWORK

MEDIA RELEASE

The Government must use its ratification of the Cartegena Protocol on Biosafety to ensure sound science and common sense prevails in the international trade of living modified organisms (LMOs), Chairman of the Life Sciences Network Dr William Rolleston said today.

“The text of the Protocol is currently very general and there is a real risk that it will be used by some countries as a non-tariff trade barrier. This is something New Zealand has fought hard against at the World Trade Organisation,” Dr Rolleston said.

“The full impact of the Protocol will be determined as the detailed rules are negotiated, and New Zealand must take an active role in this process to reduce the bureaucracy the Protocol represents.

“The Life Sciences Network’s submission urged the Government to delay ratification, because of the increased burden it will place on exporters and importers. We also believe it will have a negative impact on science and the economy.

“It is now vital that the Government demonstrates its commitment to sound science in risk assessment and international trade, and to New Zealand’s future economic success,” Dr Rolleston concluded.

ENDS

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