The destruction of a genetically modified potato crop at Crop and Food near Christchurch is flagrant sabotage and a huge setback to the progress of science, says National's Environment spokesman, Nick Smith.

"It's appalling that young New Zealanders working in science to improve the quality of crops have to stand by and watch this sort of senseless devastation.

"This attack was downright stupid considering these weren't field trials, and part of the programme was looking at better ways of non-GM potato improvement.

"It's time New Zealanders stood up for talented young scientists trying to do their work, now that the Royal Commission has concluded that this country's interests are best served by proceeding with caution with this new science.

"It's obvious that the tyranny of the minority is at work here when they can't accept the decision of the independent Royal Commission or of a democratically elected Parliament.

"What will be telling is whether Green Party Members will uphold the integrity of the laws that they as parliamentarians write, or whether they will again endorse the actions of these eco saboteurs," says Dr Smith.

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