Update on GM wheat application at 23 December 1999
Application Code GMF99003
Applicant Monsanto New Zealand Ltd
Purpose To import and field test, in the Canterbury region, genetically modified, Roundup Ready wheat, as a part of an international development programme to evaluate wheat varities that have been genetically modified to tolerate the herbicide Roundup.
The public submission period for the above application has now closed. After adding up all the submissions we received by fax, email and post we had a final total of 1418 submissions. Of these, 433 submitters requested to be heard at a hearing.
A Summary of Submissions Report is currently being prepared, and will be available in the New Year.
A public hearing will be held by the Authority probably in the week of 3-7 April 2000, in Wellington. These dates have yet to be confirmed, and submitters will be notified as soon as it is finalised. Only those submitters that indicated they wished to be heard will be able to speak at the hearing. They may call witnesses, however, and any person may attend as an observer.
The purpose of the public hearing is to enable submitters to present relevant information directly to the decision-making Committee, by speaking to their submission. The ERMA New Zealand Quick Guide to Hearings outlines the hearings process. In addition the Authority has recently released further guidance material for participants in the hearings process.
All submitters on this application are entitled to appear in front of the Authority. However, given the large number of submitters, this presents quite a logistical challenge and we are currently exploring how this could be managed.
- There has been a suggestion that some submitters have asked to be heard simply to get access to documentation such as our Evaluation and Review Report.
- If that is the case, ERMA New Zealand will undertake to provide this documentation whether or not the person attends the hearing.
- There may be scope for one presenter (or a small number) to present on behalf of the whole group of submitters.
- ERMA New Zealand is also offering to meet with submitters before the hearing - outside Wellington if required - to talk through the details.
- Finally, if the main concern of submitters is to have opportunity to discuss their views, with either the applicant or with ERMA New Zealand - we would be happy to organise an informal meeting before the hearing.
Submitters are being asked to advise ERMA New Zealand of their views on these options by 25th January 2000.
October 29, 1999
Monsanto New Zealand applied to the Authority in July to field test genetically modified Roundup Ready Wheat.
Submissions on the application closed on 28 October 1999 and over 2000 were received. For more information about the public submissions and the next steps in the process.
The Authority will advise the date and venue for the hearing in a few weeks time.
This is a field test application, which if approved, would have to be conducted under controlled conditions. It is not an application for the general release of GM wheat.
The
purpose of the application is to import and field test, in the Canterbury
region, genetically modified Roundup Ready Wheat, as part of an international
development programme to evaluate wheat varieties that have been genetically
modified to tolerate the herbicide Roundup.
Full copies of the application document are available on request from ERMA New Zealand at a charge of $5. A report summarising the submissions will be completed in a few weeks time and will also be available on request at a charge of $5. Use the order form on this site.
Details of the application can be found on the Applications Register. Details of the organism can be found on the Organisms Register.
General information on the application process can be found in the Quick Guide No. 2 (130k pdf) and on the hearing procedure in Quick Guide.
15 September 1999
Genetically modified wheat - Application GMF99003
Monsanto New Zealand has applied to the Authority to field test genetically modified Roundup Ready Wheat.
(It should be noted that this is a field test application, which if approved, would have to be conducted under controlled conditions. The Authority has not received an application from Monsanto for the general release of either GM wheat or GM canola.)
The purpose of the application is to import and field test, in the Canterbury region, genetically modified Roundup Ready Wheat, as part of an international development programme to evaluate wheat varieties that have been genetically modified to tolerate the herbicide Roundup.
For further details, see the Application Summary.
This information has been provided by the applicant.
The application was received on 28 July 1999 and further information was sought from the applicant. It has now been verified and publicly notified today. Details of the application can be found on the Applications Register on this site.
Submissions can be made up until the closing date of 28 October 1999. For more information on making submissions, see the Quick Guide.
Anyone who makes a submission can call for a hearing. After the submissions are analysed, the Authority will advise if a hearing is to be held and the hearing date. The Act requires that a hearing date is fixed within 25 days of the closing date of submissions.
If a hearing were to be held, it would normally be adjourned to allow the Authority to consider the information presented. This process can take some weeks. A final decision must be issued within 15 working days of the formal conclusion of the hearing.
More information on these procedures can be found in the ERMA New Zealand Policy on Consultation and Interactions on Part V applications.
April 15, 1999
The Environmental Risk Management Authority advises that it has not received an application from Monsanto for genetically modified canola. Recent media reports suggested that such an application had been received, but this is incorrect.
ERMA New Zealand Chief Executive, Dr. Bas Walker, says it is up to applicants to decide if and when they formally lodge an application under the HSNO Act.
While it seems to be publicly known that Monsanto is considering making an application, at this point we have not received one. Until we do, the Authority is unable to comment. And there is no provision for making public submissions.
Once an application for a GMO field test or release is received, the Authority publicly notifies it in the major newspapers, on its website and in its monthly Bulletin newsletter. The Authority also advises people on its 'Topic Interest List' when it receives applications. The application is then open for public submissions for a period of 30 days.
There has not yet been any application made in New Zealand for a general release of a GMO - either to the Authority or its predecessors. Under the Hazardous Substances and New Organisms Act 1996, a general release can either be approved or declined, but it can not be approved with controls. In other words, if approved it is a full scale release, allowing the organism to be imported or used anywhere in New Zealand or grown commercially.
Any such approval would need to meet the minimum standards set down in S.36 of the Act. This requires the Authority to decline an application if it would cause any significant:
- displacement of native species within its natural habitat;
- deterioration of natural habitats;
- adverse effects on human health and safety;
- adverse effect to New Zealands inherent genetic diversity
- or would cause disease, be parasitic, or become a vector for human, animal or plant disease.
The Authority would further have to satisfy itself that the positive effects of the organism outweighed the adverse effects.
Any enquiries about a potential Monsanto application should be directed to the company itself.
Ends
For further information contact:
Karen Cronin,
Manager Communications.
Tel: +64 4 496 4826.
Fax: +64 4 473 8433.
or email to: info@ermanz.govt.