April 15, 1999
The Environmental Risk Management Authority advises that it has not received an application from Monsanto for genetically modified canola. Recent media reports suggested that such an application had been received, but this is incorrect.
ERMA New Zealand Chief Executive, Dr. Bas Walker, says it is up to applicants to decide if and when they formally lodge an application under the HSNO Act.
“While it seems to be publicly known that Monsanto is considering making an application, at this point we have not received one. Until we do, the Authority is unable to comment. And there is no provision for making public submissions.”
Once an application for a GMO field test or release is received, the Authority publicly notifies it in the major newspapers, on its website and in its monthly Bulletin newsletter. The Authority also advises people on its 'Topic Interest List' when it receives applications. The application is then open for public submissions for a period of 30 days.
There has not yet been any application made in New Zealand for a general release of a GMO - either to the Authority or its predecessors. Under the Hazardous Substances and New Organisms Act 1996, a general release can either be ‘approved' or ‘declined', but it can not be ‘approved with controls'. In other words, if approved it is a full scale release, allowing the organism to be imported or used anywhere in New Zealand or grown commercially.
Any such approval would need to meet the minimum standards set down in S.36 of the Act. This requires the Authority to decline an application if it would cause any significant:
- displacement of native species within its natural habitat;
- deterioration of natural habitats;
- adverse effects on human health and safety;
- adverse effect to New Zealand's inherent genetic diversity.
or would cause disease, be parasitic, or become a vector for human, animal or plant disease.
The Authority would further have to satisfy itself that the positive effects of the organism outweighed the adverse effects.
Any enquiries about a potential Monsanto application should be directed to the company itself.
Ends
For further information contact:
Karen Cronin
Manager Communications.
Phone: 04 496 4826
Fax: 04 473 8433
or email to: enquiries@ermanz.govt.nz