Dr Paul Hutchison National Biotechnology Spokesperson

17 April 2003

Co-existence report supports lifting of moratorium

The Government must keep it's resolve and lift the GM moratorium on October 31st, says National's Biotechnology spokesperson Dr Paul Hutchison.

"The release of papers today demonstrates that co-existence between genetically modified crops and conventional agricultural crops is possible, and practical.

"The public should be aware that there is only likely to be a very limited number of applications for 'conditional release' in the first instance, and that would only be under strict regulatory conditions. A step-by-step approach to co-existence of GM is practical and wise.

"The Green Party call for zero tolerance is absolutely impractical and was rejected by the Royal Commission on Genetic Modification.

"It is important that New Zealand follows the recommendations of the Royal Commission and while proceeding with caution, does not let opportunities go by for our highly important agricultural and horticultural sector.

"It is also very important that the Government is not pressured by the Greens into developing highly complex regulations that would make it nearly impossible for serious scientific opportunities to be progressed in New Zealand," said Dr Hutchison.

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