2 February 2012

Treasury takes aim at New Zealand's biosecurity protections

Treasury recommendations to weaken biosecurity protection for short-term growth will undermine the long-term strength of our export economy, the Green Party said today.

Treasury made the recommendation in their Briefing to the Incoming Minister today. Their recommendations are to reduce “at the border” barriers and to change new organisms regulations – weakening the laws around the introduction of new organisms like genetically modified organisms.

“Treasury’s advice is incredibly short-sighted and risks the long-term viability of our agriculturally-based export economy,” said Biosecurity spokesperson Steffan Browning.

“Allowing the greater flow of genetically modified plants and animals will undermine our ‘100% Pure’ brand and the huge competitive advantage this brand has in the eyes of the world’s consumers.

“The '100% Pure' brand has an estimated economic value of $20 billion.

“Treasury should stick to what it does best – overestimating future economic growth – and not meddle with the country’s biosecurity and GE protections.”

Documents leaked late last year show the Treasury is working in concert with bio-tech companies to weaken laws around the release of new organisms in our environment including genetically modified organisms.

ENDS

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