GM Allium Report Released

MEDIA ADVISORY

28 July 2008

GM Allium Report Released

ERMA New Zealand has today released an Evaluation and Review Report on a Crop & Food Research application to field test genetically modified (GM) plants of the allium family - onions, spring onions, leeks and garlic.

The application is to test GM plants in containment to assess their performance in the field and their environmental impact.

ERMA New Zealand's Dr Geoff Ridley said the report is based on information from the field test application, additional research, and public submissions. It is a source of advice to the Environmental Risk Management Authority's committee that will be convened to consider the application and make a decision on it.

A public hearing on the application will be held in Christchurch on 12 August 2008. Information provided at the hearing will be used by the Authority in its decision making consideration.

The application seeks approval to field test GM alliums at a Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry-approved field containment facility in the Lincoln region over a period of ten years. At any one time a maximum of 2.5 hectares would be planted in GM alliums.

The Evaluation and Review Report can be found on the ERMA New Zealand website at: http://www.ermanz.govt.nz/search/registers.html?id=22687

ENDS

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