Monsanto drops new GE crops in Europe

In a major victory for health, democracy and the environment, seed and chemical company Monsanto has announced its withdrawal of applications for new genetically engineered crops in Europe.

For over a decade consumers and governments have opposed GE crops being grown in Europe.

“We stand in solidarity with the people of Europe, and celebrate the fact that no GE crops are commercially grown in New Zealand,” says Debbie Swanwick, Spokesperson, Soil & Health - Organic NZ.

"However New Zealanders and the New Zealand government must remain vigilant in protecting our precious and lucrative, clean, green GE-free land and its products.”

"This is just the start. Other companies, such as Bayer, Syngenta and Dow need to follow Monsanto's lead in Europe.

"Also the people and government of New Zealand and Europe must reject GE animal feed," says Swanwick. Europe imports more than 30 million tons of mostly GE animal feed each year for its livestock industry. New Zealand imports an increasing amount of animal feed, much of which may be genetically engineered, which will find its way into the diets of people who eat non-organic meat, dairy products or eggs.

"Recently in New Zealand some regional councils such as Northland and Bay of Plenty have advocated for a GE precautionary policy to be included in their regional policy statements. Despite their legal right to do so, and remit to protect ratepayers, Environment Minister Amy Adams has suggested she will overrule their ability to do so. This is very concerning as it suggests our government is amenable to a GE release in New Zealand," says Swanwick.

"Consumers worldwide want GE-free and organic products, and New Zealand can deliver on this. Let’s keep that advantage."

Soil & Health is one of the oldest organic organisations in the world and advocates for the consumer's right to have fresh, healthy, organic food and water free of GE, pesticides and additives and their right to know what is in their food and water. Oranga nuku, oranga kai oranga tangata. To learn more about what is really in your food subscribe to their Facebook Page and subscribe http://www.facebook.com/OrganicNZ

To view online click here www.organicnz.org.nz/node/692

ENDS

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