Between the lines: GM spin prompts mistaken gratitude

By JIM EAGLES

The generally favourable business reaction to the decision on genetic modification provides a fascinating example of how political spin can skew a debate.

A few months ago, many in the biotechnology industry were criticising the Hazardous Substances and New Organisms Act ("Hasno") as being so restrictive - and so much more restrictive than, say, Australia - that it was choking development and driving research overseas.

When the report of the Royal Commission on Genetic Modification was issued, it was generally regarded as straight down the middle - certainly not giving the industry what it wanted, but also rejecting the scaremongering of the Greens.

The report then had to be considered by the Government and, as that process developed, leaks emerged that the cabinet was likely to take a tough anti-GM line.

This threw the biotechnology industry into a panic and it launched a publicity and lobbying counter-attack.

The policy announced on Tuesday is not as restrictive as the leaks suggested, though it certainly leans more towards the Greens than did the royal commission and will lead to even more restrictive Hasno requirements.

The immediate response from the industry has largely been relief that the restrictions on GM research are not as tough as was first feared. But close study of the policy suggests there is nothing to be relieved about.

It is already extremely difficult, expensive and time-consuming to get approval to carry out GM research and, in particular, to conduct the field trials that are essential in the areas such as grasses, forestry, livestock and horticulture where New Zealand's interests and expertise lie.

The Government's planned toughening of the rules - not least the requirement to give effect to the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi - is likely to make it well-nigh impossible to get approval. A framework seems to have been created which theoretically makes all things possible but in practice creates so many opportunities for objection that progress becomes impossible.

This is part of a familiar pattern with the Government - fine words about encouraging enterprise, innovation and economic growth followed by legislation which makes those things more difficult.

nzherald.co.nz/ge

Report of the Royal Commission on Genetic Modification

GE lessons from Britain

GE links

GE glossary