Federated Farmers Welcomes ERMA Decision

FFNZ Welcomes ERMA Decision to Preserve Opportunities

The Environmental Risk Management Authorities' approval of AgResearch's application to conduct contained research trials on cows is a positive outcome for agriculture and the New Zealand economy, says Federated Farmer's National Vice Chairman Charlie Pedersen.

"Federated Farmers consider research into GM technology is important to develop new knowledge and to ensure New Zealand has capability in this field of biotechnology, said Mr Pedersen.

In its submission to ERMA the Federation recognised the potential advantages of this new technology but agreed that New Zealand must ensure that our industry is not placed at unacceptable risk.

"Farmers depend on international trade and are well aware that our competitors are using GM technology and unless we undertake such research we may not be able to use the technology if needed to maintain competitiveness.

"Clean green is just one aspect of the full range of marketing opportunities we have. New Zealand producers must produce what consumers want and my livelihood depends on my ability to produce what a consumer wants at a price that a consumer is prepared to pay. And certainly at a price lower than the consumers home farmers would produce.

"It is clear to Federated Farmers that those countries already commercially using GM technology also supply the full continuum of market opportunities from conventional through to organic. New Zealand must position itself to be able to do the same."

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