To: New Zealand Parliament

Keep GE technology in the lab!

We call on the Parliament to tighten regulation of genetic engineering and editing (GE) - keeping the cautious approach that has protected us so far, controlling GMOs from release into the environment and communities.

Why is this important?

At the time of writing the Luxon Government is pushing the Gene Technology Bill through Parliament. This bill proposes to deregulate the use of GMOs in Aotearoa. 

Gene technology and experimentation involves changing, controlling and manipulating the genes of living beings. These can be plants and animals, and invisible bacteria and soil microbes. The objective is to encourage these genes to behave in specific ways, usually for commercial purposes. 

It has been used in closed lab conditions for the last three decades. New Zealand’s strict regulations have prevented the contamination of nature and food and our GE Free producer status is of great economic value to food producers. Yet around the world GE technology is undermining food and seed sovereignty.

The release of gene edited crops or organisms outside the lab carries significant environmental risks to Aotearoa. 

Potential harms include risks to our unique ecosystems and biodiversity and cultural heritage. 

GE tech threatens the livelihoods and brand of organic and non-GE growers who would face the threat of cross-contamination. We run a huge risk of contaminating both the natural biodiversity and our actual food supply network.

Beyond the Bill risks New Zealand’s global brand of being a clean and green country, which we all depend on in some way. 

GE tech is a false solution that companies would use to avoid accountability for good environmental stewardship. While some industries may gain financially from free use of GE tech, there is a lot at stake for other industries. 

We call on the Government and all parties in Parliament to tighten regulation of genetic editing by not releasing GMOs into our communities.

We encourage using the precautionary principle and not risk what we already have. We should maintain the advantage of high control, much like the bio-control approach we use for our borders to protect agriculture industry and native wildlife. 

We also recommend enforcing ‘traceability requirements’ to track GE products in the food supply. This would maintain transparency for everyone, and safeguard New Zealand’s ‘clean, green reputation.

Sign our petition to support a safe GE free future!

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