GM corn to be destroyed in NZ
1.GM corn investigation to be completed by Tuesday 2.GM corn to be destroyed
EXTRACT: Horticulture New Zealand says the quality of the country's border control systems has fallen if almost two tonnes of genetically modified sweet corn can pass though it.
Chief executive Peter Silcock says New Zealand's GE-free status is important to growers.
1.GM corn investigation to be completed by Tuesday
Radio New Zealand, 4 December 2006 [shortened] http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/latest/200612042203/gm_corn_investigation_to_be_completed_by_tuesday
Biosecurity New Zealand expects to complete a full investigation by Tuesday into where 400ha of genetically modified corn was planted, and the extent of the contamination.
Its spokesperson Peter Thompson says a staff error led to almost two tonnes of GM corn breaching the border in October. He says most of the corn has been planted, and it must be destroyed.
The accident has prompted GE Free New Zealand and the Soil and Health Association to reiterate their call for a ban on all corn and maize seeds, until it can be assured they are GM-free.
The Green Party says it is appalling the border is so leaky when such a robust system has been set up. It says there is no excuse for Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry staff just waving a shipment through when there was a positive test result with it.
Growers disappointed
Hawke's Bay Vegetable Growers Association says there needs to be some quick action to remedy the blunder.
Scott Lawson, from the association, says it is disappointing there has been another letdown of biosecurity.
He says crop growers across the country could be affected and need to be contacted so they know whether they have to remove their corn.
Horticulture NZ says standards have fallen
Horticulture New Zealand says the quality of the country's border control systems has fallen if almost two tonnes of genetically modified sweet corn can pass though it.
He says it is likely growers who lose their crops will approach their supply companies for compensation, who in turn will approach the government.
Better testing needed
The Sustainability Council says better testing of seeds at the border would have prevented the accidental importation of the genetically modified sweet corn.
The council says more demanding testing at the border would mean that even if the paperwork was incorrectly read, there would be a better chance of finding the contamination.
It says it is likely taxpayers will have to foot the bill for the compensation required by farmers whose crops are destroyed.
2.GM corn to be destroyed
Radio New Zealand, 4 December 2006
http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/latest/200612041653/gm_corn_to_be_destroyed
Biosecurity New Zealand was to meet corn growers on Monday to decide the best way of destroying 400 hectares of genetically modified corn.
Mr Thompson says a full investigation into where the corn has been planted and the extent of the contamination should be completed by Tuesday.
The Green Party says it is appalling the border is so leaky when such a robust system has been set up. They say there is no excuse for MAF staff just waving a shipment through when there was a positive test result with it.
The Hawke's Bay Vegetable Growers Association says there needs to be some quick action to remedy the blunder.
The organisation's chief executive, Peter Silcock, says New Zealand's GE-free status is important to growers.
The Sustainability Council says more demanding testing at the border would mean that even if the paperwork was incorrectly read, there would be a better chance of finding the contamination.
GM supporters cautious
However, a pro-GM group says more tests are needed on the genetically modified sweet corn, before crops are dug up.
Life Sciences Network chairman William Rolleston says GM has been confirmed only in the parent line of seed, and none has been detected in the plants yet. He says the corn may still be fit for human or animal consumption.
Mr Rolleston says if analysis by the Ministry of Agriculture shows a negligible risk of the seeds spreading, there is no reason to spend good money digging up the plants. He says the money spent on destroying the crops and compensating farmers is needed for real threats, like foot and mouth or mad cow disease.