By Michael Fox

Genetically modified food landing on New Zealand dinner plates is looking
less likely with public consultation on tough new laws ending today.


Critics say the laws will "stop good science in its tracks" but supporters
argue it is essential to protect the integrity of conventional and organic
crops.

If passed, the laws will impose strict new rules including increased public
disclosure of the planting locations, new regulations to ensure GM crops are
kept separate and are able to be traced and mandatory labelling of GM crops.

The move is part of a Greens-driven collaboration with the government aimed
at curbing the introduction of GM, an issue the Green Party says it is not
willing to compromise on.

"We remain strongly opposed to GE organisms in our fields and our food and
haven't given an inch on that staunch stand," Green Party co-leader
Jeannette Fitzsimons said.

Ms Fitzsimons said the changes were to ensure consumers always had a choice.

Professor Jean Fleming who was on the Royal Commission for Genetic
Engineering said the proposed changes were a logical extension to exisiting
legislation but would stifle innovation in the sector.

"Compliance issues will put people off," she said.

"Farmers will be less inclined to try innovative measures because it must be
made public."

However the staunch restrictions were needed due to the small size of
cropping areas in New Zealand and the high risk of cross contamination, she
said.

Life Sciences Network chairman Dr William Rolleston said the problem with
the regulations was they were prescriptive and did not take into account the
nature of the crop, the nature of the modification or market requirements.

"Those rules should be set by ERMA on a case by case basis reflecting the
risk."

Dr Rolleston was also concerned the decision had been removed from the realm
of science, which he said dealt with evidence and facts, and had been placed
in the political arena.

There were "definite positive environmental outcomes" to be had from GM and
New Zealand was going to miss out, he said.

"Farmers should use it where there is a real benefit for everyone."

At present only four GM crops are have been granted approval for testing,
with two recently harvested crops in post harvest monitoring - where soil is
monitored for any changes.
www.checkbiotech.org