Biotech Updates

NZBIO Tells Government to Look Again at GMO Rules

April 20, 2016

The New Zealand government needs to amend its GM rules, according to NZBIO. Dr. Will Barker, the CEO of NZBIO, says the New Zealand government needs to understand that science is rapidly advancing and the country is being left behind. He said that the "minor amendment" to GM rules, announced by the Minister of Environment Dr. Nick Smith to cover off old technology that had not been identified in the Hazardous Substances and New Organisms Act (HSNO) will not go far enough.

"New Zealanders need a fully informed debate around what is possible for the economy, in terms of agriculture, food and medicines as well as renewable energy, using science – some of which is genetic modification." Dr. Barker emphasized that instead of emotive driven, often non-factual rhetoric, the government should examine truths around genetic modification and other non-GMO technologies.

For more details, read the news release at NZBIO website.