9 October 2005

Call for MAF to improve biosecurity protocols (GE free NZ PR) 

GE Free (NZ) is calling on MAF to improve their biosecurity protocols for
seed imports into NZ to ensure that the current zero tolerance standard for
GE contamination remains in place. "To date, MAF's monitoring of such
contamination has been poor," said spokesperson Claire Bleakley. This puts
NZ's primary producers, economy and environment at risk."

GE Free (NZ) is particularly concerned that MAF has permitted farmers to
replant maize or sweet corn at a number of North Island sites where the
illegal GE-contaminated maize Liberty Link T25 was discovered last year.
Planting has occurred despite concerns raised by local authorities and
primary producers about GE volunteers (generally volunteers are plants that
haven't been planted but have planted themselves).  

"As corn is wind pollinated, it (the pollen) can travel miles. If care is
not taken, even a small amount of GE pollen can cause extensive
contamination" said Claire Bleakley of GE Free (NZ) in food and environment.

"Pollution from GMOs cannot be controlled once in the open environment. MAF
should improve its biosecurity protocols now to avoid further problems.   

Liberty Link GE corn plants contain an antibiotic marker gene, bacterial
insecticidal proteins (Bt) and viral gene fragments in every cell of the
plant.  Crops producing Bt proteins continually manufacture their own
insecticidal toxins, which are always present at high levels within the
plant.  

Published experiments have shown immune system damage, heart and kidney
abnormalities and blood disorders in laboratory animals fed with GE crops.

No clinical diagnostic tools are available to test for adverse effects in humans.

"MAF must ensure that any fields that contained GE contaminated maize are
not replanted with maize or sweet corn," said [.....].  A recent British
study has shown that GE canola seed can still be viable after 15 years. It
is also possible that stray GE corn seed may remain viable for some years.
Weedkillers such as Roundup are unlikely to kill GE seed

Japan and Europe, two of New Zealand's major trading partners, specify that
non-GE crops, which command a premium price, must contain no GE DNA.

GE-Free NZ has urged MAF to move swiftly to protect farmers and the
environment from GE contamination by improving their biosecurity procedures.

ENDS

Claire Bleakley (06) 3089842