www.checkbiotech.org ; www.raupp.info ; www.czu.cz

The report by David Oughton from his inquiry into the importation of
genetically engineered corn seeds in late 2006, shows institutional
corruption and calls into question the ethics of at least some individuals
involved in border surveillance according to the Soil & Health Association
spokesperson Steffan Browning, February 2007.

The continued GE incursions also show the need for an urgent expansion of
New Zealand?s seed growing industry, a ban on imports of seed from countries
and companies that consistently supply contaminated seed.

That a MAF Quarantine Service officer who participated in the earlier
decision to remove the requirements for double checks in approving risky
seed imports, was also the officer that then ignored positive GE tests and
allowed the GE contaminated sweet corn into New Zealand fields, has a very
bad smell about it, according to Mr Browning.

The fact that of 90 consignments in 2006, 30 had incomplete computer records
shows that staff involved were not taking the issue seriously and maybe some
positions need reviewing, as much as systems need improving. This goes right
to the top however, said Mr Browning, and the culture of indifference comes
from many levels of government that have an arrogant and cavalier attitude
to the wishes of New Zealanders and to the risks of Genetic Engineering. New
Zealand?s zero tolerance to GE contamination must be defended effectively.

The Oughton report points out a need for improved border control systems
focused on the dominant risk seed species; Brassica napus var . oleifera
(oil seed rape), Glycine max (soy bean), Zea mays (corn/maize), Medicago
sativa (lucerne/alfalfa). Soil & Health agrees and sees a further method of
precaution in a total ban on importation on those species from the US and
other countries producing such GE seed.

Some giant seed companies are also consistently the suppliers of
contaminated seed and should be penalised for supplying shonky product.
Syngenta was the supplier of all the contaminated seed in this recent event,
and is the subject of legal proceedings in several countries.

One independent US seed grower with New Zealand interests, has told me that
he would prefer to see a New Zealand seed industry developed as GE Free, to
allow varieties to be grown on in confidence in New Zealand and be marketed
to an eager world, said Mr Browning. The niche market for New Zealand is
clean and green and the commercial opportunities are superior to risky seed
importation.

Contrary to some seed importers claims, the advantages of new imported
varieties do not match the combined benefits of a New Zealand seed industry
and clean product for rapidly growing lucrative and discerning markets. Soil
& Health promotes Organic 2020 which fits well with the international growth
in organics and has no place for GE contamination.

Soil & Health wants staff changes in border control, improved checking
systems, a ban on risky imports and strong government encouragement for the
New Zealand seed industry.

[www.scoop.co.nz]