NEW ZEALAND: A review of regulations covering genetically modified organisms hinges on a High Court case next week challenging approval for GM experiments on New Zealands most populous tree, pinus radiata. The Environmental Protection Authority in April approved an application clearing the way for forest research institute Scion to alter the DNA of pine species using novel technology known as zinc-finger nuclease (ZFN). The Sustainability Council is challenging the decision. ZFN is one of a raft of emerging scientific techniques which are challenging the capacity of GM rules to keep pace in many countries, including New Zealands export markets. Sustainability Council executive director Simon Terry says ZFN and other techniques show the ability of scientists to invent around regulations covering GM. He argues New Zealand should take a cautionary approach or risk losing its GE-Free status with food exports if other countries adopt a different view on ZFN.
Posted on: Sat, 09 Nov 2013 13:44:51 +0000
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