December 22, 2000
The Environmental Risk Management Authority has approved two applications by the Forest Research Institute (FRI) in Rotorua to field test genetically modified trees, but in doing so has imposed some very strict controls on how these trials will be conducted. The applications were lodged with the Authority in June 1999 and were therefore not affected by the Government's voluntary moratorium on GM field tests which came into effect on 14 June 2000.
The first application involves carrying out genetic modification to the reproductive development of pine trees (Pinus radiata). This will enable scientists to evaluate reproductive development in genetically modified pine trees and to determine the stability and integration of new genes and what influence field conditions will have on the GM trees. A series of eight genetic transformations or separate experiments will involve inserting different genes into the pine trees. From each experiment a number of lines of trees will be planted out at the trial site.
Although the overall trial will take place over a 20 year period (with two further years of post trial monitoring), all but one tree per line will be grown for a maximum of six years from the time the first tissue culture of the trees is created. However, if a tree starts to develop male reproductive structures before the six years is up these reproductive structures will be destroyed immediately. One tree per line will be allowed to grow to a maximum of 13 years of age or until initiation of female reproductive structures, whichever occurs first. They will then be destroyed. Other controls imposed by the Authority include only allowing the trees to grow to a maximum of 5m in height, inspecting them every week throughout the year to check whether any reproductive structures have developed which could result in the spread of pollen and immediately removing them. The Authority has set a limit of 330 plants to be used in the trial.
The second trial involves altering genes to make the trees resistant to herbicide and this will involve both pines trees (Pinus radiata) and Norway spruce (Picea abies). The overall length of the trial is nine years with two years post trial monitoring. However the pine trees will be in the ground no longer than six years and the Norway spruce no longer than eight years. The controls also include a height restriction of 3m on the trees so that the trees can be closely monitored each week throughout the year to look for, and remove, any reproductive structures to prevent the escape of pollen.
In both cases controls imposed by the Authority will ensure that these field trials will be securely contained. This includes having a security fence deterring access to the area where the trials are taking place, supplying regular reports on the progress of the trial to ERMA New Zealand and ongoing consultation with the local Tuhourangi Iwi. FRI will train their staff to make sure that the controls are fully complied with. The containment facility where the trials are being conducted will be regularly inspected by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry.
These decisions by the Authority follows a hearing in Rotorua between November 1 - 3 , the first hearing to be held outside Wellington. The applications attracted 735 submissions and nine of the people who made these were represented at the actual hearing.
The Chief Executive of the Environmental Risk Management Authority, Dr Bas Walker says the committee which approved the trials took careful account of the concerns expressed by submitters opposed to these applications and has put in place very stringent controls to mitigate any risks. He says before making its decision, the committee inspected the GMO greenhouse at FRI where the trees will be developed and also the site where the trees will eventually be planted.
The FRI has stated that the trials will not begin until the government moratorium on genetic modification ends in September 2001.
For further information contact:
Dr Bas Walker
Chief Executive
Phone: 04 473 8426
Mobile: 021 426 874
The full decision and other material in relation to this application, including the ERMA New Zealand evaluation and review report is available on our focus page.