(Update)
21 August 2008
The period for submissions on the proposal for new regulations for the management of genetically modified crops under the Hazardous Substances and New Organisms (HSNO) Act closed on Friday 15 August.
The proposed new regulations are intended to prescribe requirements for segregation and traceability schemes that the Authority would have particular regard to when considering applications to conditionally release a GM crop.
ERMA New Zealand has received 635 submissions during the consultation period. On Friday 22 August 2008 the Authority will provide the Minister for the Environment with a summary of these submissions.
The regulation making process under the HSNO Act does not require public
hearings. This, fact combined with the short consultation period, meant
that ERMA New Zealand did not have the opportunity to hear submitters
speak to their submissions.
However, if you have any questions regarding this process or any of the other matters raised in the Cabinet decisions leading to this consultation, please contact the Ministry for the Environment on 04-439-7400, or go to:
http://www.mfe.govt.nz/issues/organisms/conditionally-released/index.html
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.
Related documents are found here
http://www.ermanz.govt.nz/consultations/Consultation Document on GM Regulations.pdf
Minute of decision, Cabinet Business Committee
Cabinet paper - Management of genetic modification in New Zealand
Media Contact:
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