Speak out against GE trees

IF A TREE FALLS: The introduction of GE trees could be disastrous for Wairarapa's forestry industry, says GE Free New Zealand president Claire Bleakley.

The introduction of genetically engineered (GE) trees could silence local ecosystems and affect Wairarapa's forestry industry, say environmental advocates -- though the community still has the chance to speak out.

The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) is calling for public feedback on its planned National Environmental Standard for Plantation Forestry (NES-PF), which proposes a nationally consistent approach for managing forestry activities.

This move has seen MPI come under fire from GE Free New Zealand, as the proposed NES-PF contains a clause which prevents local authorities from opposing the planting of genetically modified trees.

Featherston woman and GE Free New Zealand president Claire Bleakley said her organisation has grave concerns about the introduction of NES-PF, and a plantation of GE trees in Wairarapa could be disastrous for its burgeoning forestry sector.

"If NES-PF goes ahead, it will give councils no jurisdiction to oppose things like GE trees," Mrs Bleakley said.

"It is up to councils to ensure their local environments and economies are protected. So we're hoping as many people as possible make their voices heard."

Mrs Bleakley said the crown entity Scion has the license to plant over 4000 GE pine trees in New Zealand, with seedlings provided by international seed producer Arborgen. The trees have been engineered to ensure they grow faster and produce lower amounts of lignin, which yields a softer wood, suitable for paper processing.

They also carry insecticide genes to repel insects.

Mrs Bleakley said the built-in insecticide can wreck havoc on a forest's ecosystem when carried by pine needles or pollen.

"For example, the insecticides can kill any butterflies and bees they come into contact with.

"If their pine needles drop, they will be toxic to the insects on the forest floor.

"Basically, they could silence nature in the forest."

While the engineering of the trees has rendered them sterile, Mrs Bleakley said stress can deactivate the sterility gene.

"They can still spread pollen, which can easily travel up to 400km."

Mrs Bleakley said both US and South American research has shown GE tree planting has lead to soil degradation, and ill health in humans exposed to their sawdust.

MPI spokesperson Brad Young said NES-PF proposes that genetically-modified (GM) tree stock can only be used for plantings with approval from the Environmental Protection Agency, subjects to conditions imposed under the Hazardous Substances and New Organisms Act.

He said MPI has worked closely with the Ministry for the Environment and other stakeholders to develop the draft rules.

"MPI has held public meetings and hui across the country, and the GM provision has been a key topic of discussion," Mr Young said. "We expect to receive formal submissions on this and other matters during the consultation process."

Consultation on NES-PF is open until August 11, with documents available at www.mpi.govt.nz.