October 29, 1999
An application for genetically modified wheat has attracted over two thousand public submissions.
The Environmental Risk Management Authority received the application from Monsanto New Zealand Ltd. in July. The application is to field test Roundup Ready wheat in the Canterbury region. A summary is attached.
Under the Hazardous Substances and New Organisms (HSNO) Act, all GM field test applications are publicly notified. Anyone can make a submission. And any submitter can asked to be heard by the Authority.
The Monsanto application, GMF 99003, was notified on 15 September in major newspapers and on the ERMA New Zealand website. Detailed information is available on the website.
The period for public comment ended on 28 October 1999.
ERMA New Zealand Chief Executive, Bas Walker, said that at the close of the submission period yesterday, some 1500 submissions had been received.
"We expect the final numbers to over 2000 when we count them all up today. This is an unprecedented level of submissions, in terms of our experience with other applications which have attracted 6-30 submissions," said Dr. Walker.
"We expect to be able to advise a hearing date and venue within the next few weeks. It is unlikely that the hearing will be held before Christmas."
Submissions have come from throughout New Zealand, with a significant number from Canterbury.
The majority of submissions are from individuals, opposed to the application.
Some of the key issues raised in submissions include:
- cross pollination from GM wheat to non transgenic wheat and other related species
- the use of Roundup Ready herbicide
- genetically modified food crops and their testing
- impacts on New Zealand's ‘clean green' image and export markets.
A full summary of the submissions will now be prepared.
Dr. Walker said the next steps in the process were to:
- process all submissions received and check they are valid in terms of the requirements of the HSNO Act;.
- clarify which submitters wish to be heard;
- confirm arrangements for the hearing including the date, venue and hearing procedures;
- prepare a summary of submissions (available in 2-3 weeks);
- prepare an evaluation and review report by ERMA New Zealand staff (available prior to the hearing);
- assemble any further information required by the Authority for the hearing;
Dr. Walker said this is likely to take some weeks and a hearing may not be possible until the New Year.
After presentations are made, the Authority is likely to adjourn the hearing to consider the information it has received. In previous applications, the consideration process has taken several weeks. A final decision on the wheat application must be issued within15 working days after the consideration and formal close of the hearing.