Scientist says new evidence supports GM ban

By SIMON COLLINS science reporter

Scientists opposed to genetic modification say new evidence on contamination should make the Government rethink its decision to lift the ban on releasing genetically modified organisms next month.

Physicians and Scientists for Responsible Genetics yesterday published a 14-page paper by Auckland University physicist Dr Peter Wills.

It says that contamination "seems inevitable" if genetically modified crops are allowed near non-GM plants.

Dr Wills said new international evidence had overtaken the report of the Royal Commission on Genetic Modification, completed in July 2001.

"The trend is exactly the opposite of what the royal commission seems to have expected - that sound regulatory practice and experience would begin to settle the outstanding questions and concerns.

"Quite the contrary appears to have happened since the commission reported.

"There is growing recognition that some of the general problems that were raised in criticism of the use of genetically engineered organisms, especially in crops and in food, are more serious than initial enthusiasm for the technology, and the royal commission report, would have indicated."

Dr Wills said:

* Genes inserted in the US were found in native maize in remote parts of Mexico.

* Genes from wheat crossed into goatgrass weed in the US.

* Traces of GM soybeans and corn were found mixed with stocks of non-GM wheat, also in the US.

* An insect-attacking protein inserted into several US crops, has leached from the plants' roots and stayed toxic in the surrounding soil for six months.

"Experience has now shown clearly that transgenes will move down whatever pathways are available," Dr Wills said.

He said the royal commission shrank from the implications of the experience of Canadian farmer Percy Schmeiser, who was sued for breach of patent rights by Monsanto through growing GM crops that had spread accidentally on to his land.

A spokesman for Environment Minister Marian Hobbs said the Environmental Risk Management Authority would assess any new evidence when it considered each application to release GM organisms after the moratorium ends on October 29.

The head of the pro-GM Life Sciences Network, Dr William Rolleston, said Dr Wills had "cherry-picked" only the negative evidence that had come to light since 2001.

"What his incomplete study fails to take into account is the huge amount of successful use of GM technology in the same period," he said.

"The fact that unexpected things happen is not surprising. That is why the royal commission recommended proceeding carefully."