GE onions decision reflects sound science

GE onions decision reflects sound science

The decision of the Environmental Risk Management Authority to approve a trial of GM onions in Canterbury reflects the sound science which was presented at the hearing, the Chairman of the Life Sciences Network, Dr William Rolleston said today.

"The trial is a exactly what the Royal Commission recommended we should do - scientifically check out which uses of GM have benefit for New Zealand.

"It will be at least ten years before the field trials of these onions gather enough information to enable ERMA to decide if they should be released commercially. This is the cautious approach which makes sure we understand fully what the impacts of onions which are herbicide tolerant will be.

"This trial also seeks to investigate questions such as the effect of this crop on soil organisms and should be welcomed by GM opponents who demand such knowledge. Their attempts to shut the science down show they have failed to move on and want to stop the acquisition of knowledge which may prove them wrong."

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