We know there’s a lot of discussion around gene technology (or GE or GMOs) so we wanted to provide an update for farmers on the legislation currently being considered.
There was recently a Select Committee process on the Gene Technology Bill, the stated aim of which was to enable the safe use of gene technology and regulated organisms in New Zealand.
B+LNZ provided written and oral submissions during this process, despite being very frustrated with the short timeframes.
Before the Committee hearings we wrote a joint letter with DairyNZ, MIA and DCANZ requesting an extension of the public consultation period, to enable proper consultation with our farmers. However, the Government declined this request.
Gene technology is a complex and divisive topic. From our ongoing discussions with farmers we know that some are very opposed to gene technology, while others see potential opportunities, and many need more information before deciding where they stand.
In our submission, we made the following points:
- We made it clear we had not been able to consult properly in the time provided, and that there is a broad range of views on this issue.
- We noted that while we had not been able to undertake proper consultation, we had done some preliminary engagement through a survey. While it did not replace full engagement, the survey was a useful initial guide as it was undertaken by an independent research agency using a randomly selected and representative sample of farmers from the B+LNZ farmer database by region, using scientifically valid methodology.
- We called for changes to the legislation that could accommodate farmer concerns highlighted in the survey about gene technology, relating to market access, traceability and risk management.
- We noted that market access restrictions on the use of gene technology in key markets needed to be taken into account in the Gene Technology framework.
- We highlighted farmer concerns about traceability and co-existence, noting that the legislation was not clear on how this would be managed and asked for clarification. Farmers who do not wish to use GE technology should be able to market their products as GE free.
- We noted there was a lack of clarity in how different levels of risk will be determined, which in turn made it difficult to assess level of caution. We requested a transition period on the implementation of the risk criteria that would allow time to consider whether market access and traceability concerns should be included, or whether these concerns were managed adequately by other existing legislation.
The Select Committee is currently considering the submissions.
It’s important that New Zealand gets this right, so B+LNZ will continue to advocate for the Government to slow this process down so we can work through the complexities. We will also continue to advocate strongly for primary producers to have significant input into this legislation, and will continue to work with our sector partners.
Further information:
- See our 18 February story on our Select Committee submission, which includes the submission itself, more information on the survey referred to and the joint letter asking the Government to extend the consultation.