31 July 2008
Proposals for new regulations for the management of genetically modified crops under the Hazardous Substances and New Organisms Act are open for public input.
The proposed regulations were announced by Environment Minister Trevor
Mallard today.
In accordance with the HSNO Act, the Minister has asked the Environmental Risk Management Authority to begin consultation on the proposals and to report back by 22 August.
The purpose of the proposed changes is to provide a greater level of
transparency, accountability and public openness in the management of GM
crops should they be approved for use in New Zealand.
The changes would prescribe requirements for segregation and
traceability schemes that the Authority would have particular regard to
when considering applications to conditionally release a GM crop. A
conditional release is one subject to statutory controls.
Public consultation on the proposed changes is open for submissions
until 5pm, Friday 15 August 2008.
Consultation documents and information on how to make a submission can
be accessed here (http://www.ermanz.govt.nz/consultations/index.html)
For further information contact:
Mark Walles, Senior Communications Advisor, ERMA New Zealand.
• Telephone +64 -4 -918 4813 • Mobile 021 976 853
• Facsimile +64- 4 -914 0433 • Email:
mark.walles@ermanz.govt.nz