GE debate bigger than electioneering

Friday 14 June, Auckland. Political posturing is further degrading the quality of debate on genetic engineering said Greenpeace today.

“The Prime Minister’s reported comments at the Agricultural Field Days regarding GE were misleading and scientifically ignorant,” said Annette Cotter, GE Campaigner for Greenpeace.

“To imply that opposition to GE in food and the environment is anti science is like saying that opposition to nuclear weapons or energy is anti-science.

“The assumption that agriculture can only advance through the use of genetic engineering reduces science to one poorly understood discipline.

“The canvas on which science and agriculture meet is vast. Genetic engineering is only a small potential part of that canvas and one that has proven very problematic environmentally and is losing market share around the world.

“The Prime Minister’s comments are not based on good science, or economic insight, rather they are political gainsaying. However, the Labour Party has underestimated the level of concern about GE that exists in the public domain.

“Supporters of political parties across the spectrum are opposed to GE in their food and the environment. The Prime Minister is wrong to treat GE as an issue for people of one political affiliation.

“It is time that the issue of GE was addressed, and people’s concerns acknowledged. For too long, it has been ‘business as usual’ with field trials and GE food allowed in NZ. If all political parties want to be truly representative of the population, calling for a GE free NZ is the only position to take.”

Contact Annette Cotter, 021 565 175, or Brendan Lynch 021 790 817

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