Readers respond to GM debate

The Weekend Herald asked readers whether the GM ban should be lifted.

The response was immediate and emphatically in favour of retaining the ban on the release of genetically modified organisms after October 29.

Here is a selection of views, which have been edited for length.

I am appalled by the answers of [Environment Minister Marian] Hobbs in your paper. Who is she to say that the large majority of people opposed against having GE released into our environment are afraid to take risks?

It's my life at risk in the long term, and I don't want to be patronised by a minister on such a crucial issue as releasing GMO into the environment.

Her task as a minister is to listen and act on behalf of us.

- Jan Gerritsen, Taupo

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I am an ordinary but well-read and informed grandmother, who is not prepared to allow this potential disaster to reach our beautifully isolated haven. New Zealand takes on this technology at its peril. My feelings are not based on hysteria or a fear of progress, but the many warnings coming from within the scientific community itself over many years.

- Gail Pianta, Auckland

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GM will destroy New Zealand's economic advantages. GM will cancel the NZPure campaign. GM is a future health Pandora's box.

Musical instrument craftsmen prefer NZ grass-fed animal gut for strings. The intestine lining is stronger and more flexible than that of animals fed with other feed, much of this now GM.

What does this imply for our own digestive system, and could this be a factor in problems such as obesity which certainly predominates in nations happy to eat GM food?

According to Marian Hobbs, "the use of genetically modified carrots that produce possum contraceptives may be a more environmentally friendly and humane way of managing possums than what is currently used".

She cites this as an example of uses of GM that may have immense benefits for NZ. Is it safe to let Marian onto population control via GM?

- Catharina McNamara

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The moratorium on GM foods must not be lifted, ever. We must not try to improve on nature. Genetic interference will only thrust aberrant disasters on our soils, our planted foods and other neighbouring plants, our marketing effort, our reputation overseas for agricultural integrity and purity, and on everyone engaged in or eventually suffering from, GM procedures.

- John Parsons

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The GM ban should NOT be lifted and here are just a few of the reasons why:

Genetically modified food is unacceptable to several of NZ's major markets.

Nobody knows if it is safe: like hormone replacement therapy, its effects may not be immediately apparent and we will get no second chance.

The use of antibiotic marker genes is of great concern. The risk to human health from antibiotic resistance developing in micro-organisms is one of the major threats to public health in this century.

New Zealand's clean, green image will vanish overnight.

- Elizabeth Trevelyan, Te Puke

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When analysing the information released by the news media from both sides, it tells us that we are about to destroy our unique environmental position on the globe with the release of GM crops.

We have a booming organic market that is so lucrative and in such demand by Europe and Asia. .

The thinking by the Government is we should just throw ourselves in with everyone else and destroy what we already have. It seems unbelievable that they can be so short-sighted.

- Anita Reid, Taupo

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As an eco-tourism operator I think that I will lose business should the ban on GM crops be lifted. I have discussed the issue with many of our clients and most of them believe allowing GM here will tarnish our image. In fact most are incredulous that NZ would even consider it.

- Chris Bone, Whangarei

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As a farming couple with many practical concerns about GM primary production, we strongly oppose lifting the moratorium on any GM release.

[There are] unresolved serious economic, environmental and liability issues.

Research recommended by the Royal Commission into environmental risks like horizontal gene transfer (HGT) to NZ soils will not be complete by October 29 this year. We demand a truly strict liability regime (not the lame regime the Labour-led Government is proposing), in which those who claim benefits from GM crops or experiments are fully responsible for any unintended or unforseen adverse impacts.

- Z. Vallings, Whangarei

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The evidence that I am able to find through independent study indicates serious problems and unpredictable consequences may well accompany the release of GMOs.

Until there is a secure system to protect and guarantee the food chain and environment, then it is my belief that NZ would be short-sighted and extremely foolish to risk the well-deserved reputation we have worldwide for quality food product and sensible, socially responsible government. There is a very good reason insurance companies are refusing to insure experimental or commercial trials of GM crops.

- Max Tobin, Western Springs

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The GM moratorium should be lifted in October as planned.

Despite the frenzied efforts of the anti-GM groups, no credible evidence has emerged to suggest that crops produced by GM present any more hazards than those produced by conventional breeding.

Most major scientific organisations and regulatory authorities throughout the world favour the cautious development of the technology, which clearly has the potential to bring large benefits to all.

There is plenty of support for GM from the wider scientific community.

- David Isaacs, Wanganui

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I think there are more sustainable biotech ways to achieve improved food production.

The focus should not be on the modifying or engineering of our food to be superior nutritionally or in the yields, but should direct attention to suitable eating habits, with better education on the relationship with food and environment.

I also wish to say that the use of plants and animals for Genetic Biotechnology is completely unacceptable.

- Kathryn Ireland