Media Release Tuesday, October 30th, 2001

GM decision the right one for now

The idea of a GM free New Zealand is based on misinformation, scare mongering, and is economically backward, the Employers & Manufacturers Association (Northern) says.

Government's decision to allow field trials and the commercialisation of research two years on is therefore a good one for now, said Alasdair Thompson, EMA's chief executive.

"Today's decision shows the Government recognises the importance of biosciences to New Zealand's future, and will work to outflank green extremists," Mr Thompson said.

"By trivialising the GM debate and by being very sparing with the truth, many so-called green supporters discredited their own cause.

"Wearing t-shirts with human heads painted on sheep bodies is emotional nonsense. Some submissions to the Royal Commission were completely false.

"New Zealanders have to realise our regulatory regime, under which GM trials are undertaken, is the most rigorous in the world.

"The decision today at least lets field trials go ahead. It's a victory for commonsense, and will allow New Zealand scientists and investors in biosciences to get on with work critical to developing our knowledge based economy."

Comments: Alasdair Thompson tel 09 367 0911 (b)

09 303 3951 (h)

025 982 024

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