ERMA NZ places strict controls on GM Brassica test

ERMA NZ places strict controls on GM Brassica test

The Environmental Risk Management Authority (ERMA New Zealand) has approved an application by the New Zealand Institute for Crop and Food Research to field test genetically-modified Brassica in the Lincoln region.

However, ERMA New Zealand has included strict controls to manage the risk of GM material escaping from the site.

Crop and Food applied for permission to assess the agronomic performance of four genetically-modified vegetable and forage Brassica – broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower and forage kale – on a 0.4 hectare plot over a 10-year period. The Brassica would be modified for resistance to caterpillar pests like cabbage white butterfly and diamond-back moth, with genes derived from the bacterium Bacillus thuringensis.

A public hearing was held in Christchurch last month to consider the application, which attracted 959 submissions.

The Authority has approved the field test with a number of controls, including:

• a requirement to prevent the flowering and therefore pollen release of GM Brassica while they are planted in the field test site;

• a requirement to ensure that all GM Brassica are removed from the field test site on completion of the research and do not enter the human or animal food chain, in any form.

• a requirement to monitor the field test site for one year after the last Brassica have been removed to look for any "volunteer" GM plants.

ERMA New Zealand's General Manager, New Organisms, Libby Harrison, says the field test is subject to strict controls to ensure that the GM Brassica remain contained within the field test site, and do not enter the food chain.

Dr Harrison would like to thank all submitters and acknowledge their contribution to the decision-making process.

ENDS

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