ERMA approves GM pine tree field tests

15 December 2011

Media release

ERMA approves GM pine tree field tests

The Environmental Risk Management Authority has approved, with controls, an application from the Crown research institute Scion to field test genetically modified pine trees in containment at its Rotorua campus.

The approval allows Scion to continue its research programme investigating the introduction of new traits with commercial potential for Radiata pine trees.

The Authority has imposed strict controls on the approval, including requiring no heritable material (pollen or seed) to escape from the containment site.

Scion will remove all immature reproductive structures before they are capable of producing pollen or seed. Scion will also implement a monitoring regime to ensure that any reproductive structures are detected before they mature.

In light of these measures, the Authority considered that the organisms were unlikely to escape.

Submissions on the application were received, and 19 submitters presented their views at a hearing in Rotorua in November.

Dr Val Orchard, the Chair of the Authority’s decision-making committee, said the decision to approve the application would realise the benefits of the research to New Zealand while safely managing any potential risks.

To read the full decision, click here.

ENDS

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