23 August 2002

Kiwis Beginning To Understand GM

The latest National Business Review-HP Invent poll shows that more and more New Zealanders are coming to understand that genetic modification (GM) offers benefits to humankind. This today from Terry Dunleavy, national convener of Bluegreens.

"The more people come to know about GM, and why the Royal Commission recommended proceeding with caution on a case by case basis, the more comfortable they are, and there is a corresponding reduction in their susceptibility to the irritating scare-mongering of misguided zealots such as the Green Party," said Mr Dunleavy.

"The fuss over corn/maize seed is a prime example of the scare-mongering misinformation spread by the Greens and others, with their constant misuse of the word 'contamination' as a synonym for modification. As no less a reputable journal than the New Zealand Herald editorialised the other day, rational debate on the issue has become tainted by the word 'contamination' with its connotations of pollution, infection and corruption, when the truth is quite the opposite. The seed had been genetically modified with the gene BT11, as an alternative to chemical pesticides, to achieve higher and safer yields of corn acceptable to European and US authorities as perfectly safe for human and animal consumption.

"New Zealanders should be angry with the reported statements of Green co-leader Jeannette Fitzsimons that her party will oppose at the coming Earth Summit in Johannesburg, the use of gene technology to achieve the higher crop yields desperately needed by so many starving millions throughout the Third World. It seems that the Greens have become so blinded by their mindless zealotry, that they have lost any sense of compassion, and have no conception of reality," Mr Dunleavy concluded.

More on www.bluegreens.org.nz

Bluegreens is an independent group of New Zealanders advising the National Party on environment and heritage issues.

From desk of Terry Dunleavy, national convenor
Tel (09) 486 3859), mobile (025) 836688, email: terry@winezeal.co.nz

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