24 October 2001

Federated Farmers of New Zealand (Inc) President Alistair Polson joined fellow Life Sciences Network members to present a Communiqué endorsing the recommendations of the Royal Commission on Genetic Modification to the Prime Minister today.

More than 850 prominent New Zealanders have endorsed the Communiqué representing a wider community of interest than those that have been polarised by the issue of GM.

"99% of FFNZ members who responded to my email invitation to endorse the Communiqué agreed to do so, said Mr Polson. This is the largest response ever to one of the Federation's electronic surveys.

"The Federation's gene policy is a policy of choice, which recognises that sustainable management of land is fundamental to the success of New Zealand farmers. This policy was unanimously adopted at the Federation's National Conference in 1998.

"The Royal Commission's recommendation to preserve opportunities and encourage the co-existence of all forms of agriculture reflects farmer's desire to maintain choice in their production systems and the ability to respond to consumer demands.

"The Government can not allow a vocal minority to capture the GM debate and restrict the future opportunities of all New Zealanders, Mr Polson concluded."

ENDS

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