January 22, 2002
AgResearch has made an application to the Environmental Risk Management Authority to develop in containment a range of genetically modified cattle. The research is aimed at studying the expression of human proteins in milk and improved genetic performance of cattle. Longer-term aims are to study the potential of producing proteins in the milk for use as pharmaceutical or nutraceutical products.
The application was received on 24 December 2001 and has been verified as containing adequate information to proceed under the HSNO Act.
Under section 53 of the Act, the Authority has the discretion to publicly notify a GMO development application if there is significant public interest. All field trials and release applications are automatically notified.
In this case the Authority decided that the application should be publicly notified. This reflects some novel aspects of the proposal, but also the high level of public interest shown in previous similar applications.
The application will be notified on 23 January 2002 in the four main daily news papers and will be available on the ERMA New Zealand website at www.ermanz.govt.nz. The public can now make submissions until 7 March. Submission forms are also available on the website. A date and location for any hearing will be announced after submissions close.
For more information see the:
- Focus page for this application.
- Questions and Answers page
Media contact:
Karen Cronin
Acting Manager, Communications
ERMA New Zealand
Ph: +64 4 918 4826