What the parties say about genetic engineering

LABOUR


Endorses the recommendation of royal commission to "proceed with caution." Supports case-by-case applications for research with strict controls. Imposed two-year moratorium on commercial release of GM organisms while further issues addressed such as Bioethics Council and liability for accidents.

NATIONAL


Supports the royal commission's "proceed-with-caution" recom-mendation. Believes GM could bring huge benefits for science, medicine, the economy under the regulatory regime of Environmental Risk Management Authority. Wants moratorium lifted as planned.

GREENS


Wants New Zealand to declare itself a GM-free food market and become an organic nation by 2020. Opposes release of any GM organisms. Won't support a government that lifts moratorium. Gene technology for medical purposes to be confined to the laboratory and subject to strict controls.

ACT


Supports the royal commission's "proceed-with-caution" approach. Believes the futures lies with biotechnology, of which GM is one part. Says GM releases must have benefits that balance or exceed the risk. Supports food labelling on the grounds it promotes consumer choice.

NZ FIRST


Wants to proceed with "extreme" caution until risks in the technology are appropriately assessed. Legislate for clear labelling of all genetically modified food products, not just those that contain less than 0.1 per cent, as is the case now.

JIM ANDERTON'S PROGRESSIVE COALITION


Opposes development or use of genetically modified organisms outside the lab until safety concerns and economic benefits are proven. Supports GM medical research under strict controls. Wants food labelling regime periodically reviewed.

ALLIANCE


Opposes commercial release of GM organisms in environment. Wants moratorium extended but is not threatening to withdraw support from the Government over it. Supports strictly controlled GM for medical purposes and promotion of a GE-free label for food.

UNITED FUTURE


Supports the recommendations of the royal commission to "proceed with caution".

nzherald.co.nz/ge

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GE glossary

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