May 9, 2000
The Chief Executive of ERMA New Zealand, Dr Bas Walker, has expressed concern over a Green Party media release, suggesting that ERMA New Zealand will automatically test organisms suspected of being illegal genetically engineered imports. He said that no such undertaking has been given and is disappointed at the implication that it has.
Both ERMA New Zealand and MAF (MAF is the inspection and enforcement agency for illegal new organisms) - are concerned to detect instances of illegal imports. Where reports of illegal entry come to hand, they will be looked at and investigated if appropriate. Because of MAF's responsibilities under the Biosecurity Act, it may at anytime, take action on its own initiative. Because ERMA New Zealand is not directly an enforcement agency, it would normally expect to consult with MAF before taking action.
Dr Walker emphasised however, that the key cause for concern at present was not imported GMOs, but rather imported plant material of a more conventional kind, especially seeds. Seeds were difficult to detect at the border and could cause severe damage if they were new species with weedy characteristics.
"In the case of genetically modified material" said Dr Walker "our experience is that the material thought to be genetically modified is much more likely to turn out to be conventional. The circumstances of such cases need to be looked at carefully. To date we have been able to satisfy ourselves that imported material is not genetically modified without requiring laboratory testing"
"There is a tendency to think that anything new or unusual is a GMO, where often there is no evidence at all that is the case. We would certainly not rule out testing if we thought that was justified, but there needs to be justification for taking that step."
For further information contact:
| Bas Walker Chief Executive Ph (04) 473-8426 |
Kevin Currie Operations Manager Ph (04) 473-8426 |