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Kiwi Hollywood star Sam Neill has slated a decision allowing field trials of genetically modified crops near Christchurch.
The 10-year trial growing pest-resistant GM foods was recently approved by the Environmental Risk Management Authority (Erma).
Neill called for the trial to be abandoned, saying the decision was "potentially disastrous for New Zealand farmers, primary producers, exporters and, indeed, the country".
The trial put New Zealand's clean, green image at risk, he told The Press newspaper.
"At a time when New Zealand produce is unfairly being characterised as a criminal source of carbon, it must be self-evident that the perception of New Zealand as sustainable, GM free, clean and greener than ever must be nurtured at any cost."
Erma new organisms general manager Libby Harrison said the trial was subject to strict controls to ensure the crops stayed within the test site and did not enter the food chain.
- NZPA
