Green Party says it has negotiated new safeguards to protect farms against
genetically engineered crops.

Co-leader Jeanette Fitzsimons said farmers who wanted to stay GE-free had
the right to information about their neighbours and parts of the protection
regime could be introduced before the election.

It means there will be:

a.. an open public register of the location and identity of any GE crops
allowed to be grown, excluding field trials;
b.. a second open public register on the compliance record of all field
tests with details of reasons for any non-compliance;
c.. a system of segregation to ensure GE material would not contaminate
any non-GE crops;
d.. a "traceability" system from the point of production to the shop shelf
based on the European Union model; and
e.. an agreement that the question of liability and payment for harm
resulting from the use of GE organisms would be considered again by the
Cabinet.
Ms Fitzsimons said a public consultation process would start immediately and
would be only last a few weeks.

"Some changes could be made before the election," she said.

"If at some future date National and Labour use their powers to try to force
New Zealand to accept the general release of GE crops, at least there'll be
more rights and information for neighbours and for those who question GE."

Ms Fitzsimons said the safeguards had been gained after long and difficult
debates with various ministers.

She paid tribute to Environment Minister Trevor Mallard for ensuring
progress.

"Of course all this is a far cry from what the Green Party would like to see
eventually ? a totally GE-free food industry in New Zealand and promotion
overseas of our clean and green GE status as a major marketing advantage,"
she said.

"With only six MPs we haven't yet been able to achieve that."
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