Anti-GE groups gave lessons in how to destroy genetically modified crops yesterday as they gear up for a national action campaign.
Protesters are vowing to rip out genetically modified plants in anger over the Government's decision to allow GE field trials to proceed under stringent new conditions.
In Auckland's Basque Park Gardens a group of about 30 people took part in a demonstration of how to rip out non-GE pine tree seedlings in preparation for the real thing.
Spokesman for the "Green Gloves" campaign, Auckland winemaker Logan Petley, said members of the public were invited to sign a pledge to carry out civil disobedience. Nationally 3000 people had signed up.
"We are not fanatics or extremists, most of the people involved are ordinary New Zealanders. We believe we are acting to defend our country."
Green Gloves members would not break into laboratories but concentrate on genetically modified organisms in the environment, he said.
The group was signalling its intentions to researchers and companies so they would know what to expect, Mr Petley said.
Crown-owned AgResearch, one of the leading organisations involved in GM work, has tightened security at its five sites.
Spokesman Frank Fernandez said he could not go into details on the new precautions, taken since threats of disruption were made by anti-GE protesters.
"We are hopeful it won't happen and that there won't be any activist activity on our campuses," he said.
Protesters being trained to destroy GE crops
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