September 25, 2000
Proposals from the Forest Research Institute to trial genetically modified pine trees have attracted over 700 submissions to the Environmental Risk Management Authority, from within New Zealand and overseas.
The
application is to field test pine trees that have been modified in two
ways: for resistance to the herbicidesBuster and Escort; and modifications
related to the reproductive cycle of the trees affecting wood growth.
The proposals include management measures to prevent the release of pollen
into the environment.
The Environmental Risk Management Authority controls the introduction of new organisms, including genetically modified organisms (GMOs), and hazardous substances to New Zealand.
The application was notified on 19 July 2000 and submissions closed on 30 August 2000. A public hearing will be held on 1-3 November in Rotorua.
ERMA New Zealand Communications Manager, Karen Cronin, said that a total of 735 submissions had been received. A summary report is available on the ERMA New Zealand website at www.ermanz.govt.nz or on request.
"There were 586 local submissions and 143 international ones, from the UK, Canada, Australia, Germany, the USA, South Africa, the Netherlands, South Korea, Czech Republic, Spain, Sweden, Japan and Ireland. The majority is opposed to the applications, with 5 in support. Most came from individuals, but there were also a range of organizations including universities, government departments, people interested in organics, and political parties. Submitters have raised a number of concerns about the proposal, including containment of the pine trees, ecological, human health, cultural, social and community and economic issues. There were 4 submissions that raised Maori cultural or Treaty of Waitangi issues, including one from the Tuhourangi iwi, which is part of Te Arawa."
"We got 682 submissions through the internet, which generated more interest than we normally get. But we have good systems for dealing with submissions, whatever way they come in. While this application has attracted a lot of interest, the total number is still less than the 1443 submissions we received last year when Monsanto applied to field test GM wheat in Canterbury. That application was subsequently withdrawn."
The Authority is confident it can handle the large number of submissions, and those who want to attend the hearing.
"Some 193 submitters have formally requested to be heard. We are now going back to clarify exactly who will be coming and we'll organize the hearing to accommodate the actual numbers. We have allowed 2-3 days for the hearing and we are also looking at holding pre hearing meetings to sort out the issues, if submitters find this helpful," said Ms Cronin.
Background information on GM tree applications
ERMA New Zealand first received the GM pine tree applications on 18 June 1999 and they were publicly notified on 19 July 2000. Submissions closed on 30 August 2000.
Because the applications were already in the system they were not affected by the government's voluntary moratorium on GM field tests, which came into effect in early June 2000.
A summary of the application is available on the ERMA New Zealand website or on request from ERMA New Zealand.
The summary of submissions report is also available on the website or on request.
Further documents, including the formal hearing notice, the Evaluation and Review report and the Nga Kaihautu report will be loaded on the website or available on request, when they are issued in a few weeks time.
A final decision on the proposal will not be issued until some weeks after the hearing, during which the committee will consider all the information it has received.
Karen Cronin
Communications Manager
ERMA New Zealand
Ph: 04 496 4826
email: Karen.Cronin@ermanz.govt.nz