Biotech Updates

New Zealand Approves GM Brassica Field Tests

June 1, 2007

The Environmental Risk Management Authority (ERMA) has approved the experimental planting of genetically modified (GM) brassica vegetables such as broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower and kale over a period of ten years in test sites located in Lincoln, New Zealand. The application for field tests was filed by the New Zealand Institute for Crop and Food Research. These GM vegetables are resistant to caterpillar pests with genes derived from the bacterium Bacillus thuringensis. The tests sites are to be monitored to ensure that there will be no seed strike.

The full news is available at http://www.ermanz.govt.nz/news-events/archives/media-releases/2007/mr-20070528.html.