UK coexistence results augur well for NZ

UK coexistence results augur well for NZ

The results of a survey of farmers in the UK and an audit of the procedures used to ensure effective seapartion have positive implications for New Zealand agriculture says Dr William Rolleston, Chairman of the Life Sciences Network.

"There have been many predictions of dire consequences arising from the desire to manage coexistence of GM and non-GM crops. The most recent reports emanating from the UK put the lie to this.

"They clearly show UK farmers can manage the production of GM and non-GM crops on neighbouring farms, and even the same farm.

"The survey of farmers showed very little practical difficulty in managing their farms within the coexistence protocols while the audit confirmed farmers achieved high rates of compliance with the requirements.

"New Zealand farmers and growers, including those in the organic sector, should take heart from these results. If UK farmers can do it so can New Zealand farmers."

Copies of the Survey Report and the Audit can be found at http://www.scimac.org.uk

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