New Zealand
17 February 2025
Today, AgResearch sent its submission on the Gene Technology Bill to be considered by Parliament's Health Select Committee. In the submission, we support the development of the Bill, while providing a view on several issues it raises.
A prominent issue we raise in the submission is the possibility of "cross-industry effects".
"For example, if pollen from a genetically modified pine tree was found on an organically-grown apple, would current limits set by NZ's organics industry body mean that the apple would fail to meet the industry's standards? Liability issues relating to marketing, trade, or other matters can be addressed in the courts via civil actions."
"However, if the Gene Technology Regulations and relevant industry standards could be suitably aligned before the Bill is passed, then a significant number of claims could be avoided. We believe that prior to the expected date of the Final Reading, work should be resourced and undertaken to achieve alignment across the various production, processing, and exporting systems within agriculture, horticulture, forestry, and so on."
AgResearch submission on Gene Technology Bill
Download the submission here (pdf 274 KB)
Topics
Species
