Auckland 14 September, 2001. Greenpeace questioned the blatant contradiction in Fonterra’s statement on genetic engineering today.

Fonterra’s CEO Craig Norgate stated that any support for genetic engineering ‘does not mean that we wish to use genetically modified ingredients in our products.’

“Although hailing the unrealistic promises of genetic engineering, the reality is that Fonterra do not want to use GE in their dairy. Fonterra’s blind support for genetic engineering assumes people are going to start accepting GE in their food chain. World market trends are quite the opposite,” said Annette Cotter, Greenpeace Campaigner.

“People don’t want GE in their food or their environment, which is why Fonterra won’t use GE in their dairy. Why on earth don’t we make the most of this and ensure an ongoing market advantage, rather than doggedly pursuing a GE dead end.

“The refusal of NZ dairy foods in Sri Lanka earlier this year (1) confirms market rejection of GE, and Fonterra is uniquely poised to supply GE free dairy to the world.

“By ignoring the wishes of the public, and bullying the government over NZ’s GE free status, Fonterra’s behaviour is completely inappropriate and economically nonsensical,” said Cotter.

(1) The dairy products couldn’t be proven to be GE free, therefore they were rejected by Sri Lanka who has a GE free policy.

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