November 26, 1998
The Environmental Risk Management Authority has approved the first application, under the new HSNO Act, to go through the full process of public notification and a public hearing. This is the Authority's first decision on genetically modified crops. As required by the Act, the Authority has set a number of conditions on the approval.
The application, made by the Kimihia Research Centre, was to field test in the Canterbury region, genetically modified sugarbeet, to evaluate agronomically important characteristics. A copy of the Authority's decision follows.
ERMA New Zealand Chief Executive Bas Walker says the application attracted public submissions both for and against the application and all submitters who requested to be heard were able to present their submissions at a public hearing on 11 November.
"The HSNO Act provides an opportunity for people to have their say on certain types of applications. The hearing provided valuable information from which the Authority could consider its decision", said Dr Walker. This is in addition to the information contained in the application and the ERMA New Zealand Evaluation and Review report.
"The hearing was a new experience for many of those involved, as well as the first time up for ERMA New Zealand. It was very encouraging to see all of those involved grow in confidence with the process, as the day went on. I was also very impressed with the quality of the presentations developed."
"I am pleased this brand new process has worked well. Everyone has had the chance to have their say and the result is a quality decision by the Authority."
Two applications to field test in containment genetically modified potatoes are still being considered.
Decision
The Authority considered the following application on 20 November 1998.
Application Code: GMF98004
Applicant: Kimihia Research Centre, PO Box 939, Christchurch
Organism Approved: Beta vulgaris vulgaris (sugar beet); designation of transformed line: T120-7, category: HT (herbicide tolerant), phenotype: phosphinothricin resistant, construct: pOCA18/Ac.
Purpose: To field test, in the Canterbury region, genetically modified sugar beet, to evaluate agronomically important characteristics.
Decision: Approved with Controls
Approval Code: GMF000001
Full details of the decision are available
For further information contact:
Karen Cronin
Manager Communications.
Phone: 04 496 4826
Fax: 04 473 8433
or email to: enquiries@ermanz.govt.nz