Genetic Engineering
The Green Party believes food should be produced in ways that are healthy to humans, environmentally friendly, respectful to workers and animals, and that benefit biodiversity. We have opposed the use of GE in the environment for 7 years, secured a moratorium until 2003 on the release of GE organisms and have worked in Parliament to improve legislation covering GE organisms. The Green Party remains committed to keeping the Aotearoa/New Zealand environment free of GE organisms - new information is constantly coming forward showing that the risks have been understated.
What's new
Deformed calves don't enhance NZ's image, AgResearch
04 Sep 2008
A huge press statement by AgResearch today in which it tries to justify its application to genetically engineer a wide range of animals, plus human and monkey cells, inadvertently shows sad downsides to GE research such as deformed foetuses and calves. It admits a less than 9 percent live birth rate, aborted deformed foetuses, deformed calves and gangrenous udders but strangely denies there are animal welfare concerns.
AgResearch aims to spread GE animals around NZ
07 Aug 2008
A huge application to genetically engineer a wide range of animals, plus human and monkey cells, side-steps a government promise to deal with GE applications on a case by case basis. It could allow AgResearch to develop unlimited numbers of GE animals without telling us what alterations they are making.
GE promoters scared of public spotlight
01 Aug 2008The New Zealand genetic engineering lobby group Life Sciences Network has shown its true colours by fighting against both open information and protection for non-GE growers, says Greens Co-Leader Jeanette Fitzsimons.
Greens tighten GE safeguards
31 Jul 2008As part of its co-operation agreement with the Government, the Green Party has negotiated new safeguards to protect all those who want no part of any genetically-engineered farming industry. “We remain strongly opposed to GE organisms in our fields and our food and haven’t given an inch on that staunch stand,” Ms Fitzsimons says.
Officials out of touch with New Zealanders
30 Jul 2008It is ridiculous that officials are backing a proposal to set up a new field trial in Canterbury of genetically engineered onions, spring onions, garlic and leeks by saying it would “enhance” aspects of New Zealand’s reputation, says Green Party Co-Leader Jeanette Fitzsimons.
Genetic Engineering Links
Dangers Of Genetic Engineering - excellent resource from the Mothers for Natural Law who are campaigning for labelling in the US. They have done a lot of research on the food industry and offer tips to identifying brands.
GE-Free Food Guide - a“true food” guide from Greenpeace New Zealand, an excellent database of the GE status of food.
GE-Free NZ - coalition of activists around the country, with the full title of GE-Free New Zealand in food and environment (RAGE inc). Website has masses of news and resources.
Genetically Engineered Food - Are You Part of the Experiment? - Friends of the Earth UK's GM campaign pages featuring horrific Frankenstein crops!
Giant Experiment - latest national and international news on GE, including a fortnightly email newsletter you can subscribe to, actions around New Zealand and a "Council lobbying kit".
Greenpeace Genetic Engineering Pages - has many news stories and features from around the world, including lots of protests and direct action.
Selling Suicide - excellent report from Christian Aid on "farming, false promises and genetic engineering in developing countries".
Physicians and Scientists for Responsible Application of Science and Technology (PSRAST) - a global network for impartial interdisciplinary evaluation of the safety of new technologies. Explains why genetically engineered food may not be safe to eat and why release of genetically engineered organisms may be hazardous. There is also an affiliated NZ group - Physicians and Scientists for the Responsible Application of Science and Technology in NZ.
Sustainability Council of NZ - The Sustainability Council comprises eminent New Zealanders, including former Queen Elizabeth II Trust Chair Sir Peter Elworthy, biological scientist Professor Garth Cooper and actor Sam Neill OBE who share an informed passion against indiscriminate release of GE. They convened to offer independent research and analysis on GE.
Suggest or comment on a link. Email: webmaster@greens.org.nz