Genetic Engineering clinically tested, and used under doctors' supervision. Is GE safe for use in forestry?
GE (Genetic Engineering) is an experimental process Food is eaten by everyone, and is grown in the open. GE trees risk contamination, and disruption of the
sometimes called GM (Genetic Modification). It environment. They threaten the benefits of sustainable
changes the genes (DNA codes) that give each plant or Will people have a choice? forestry approved by the Forest Stewardship Council.
animal its own particular features. Genes can be copied Choice is already being denied as GE food ingredients Other experiments to 'improve' the environment such
from one species into another e.g. animal genes into and oils are sold without being labelled. Because using GE to kill possums also expose natural systems to
plants. This is not the same as traditional breeding contamination cannot be stopped, people will be forced complex risks.
closely related species because GE crosses the barrier to accept up to1% GE in food. Even "organic" food will
between species. have to allow GE. There will be no choice. Will Insurance cover the risk?
No, because Insurance companies presently refuse to
How is it done? Is GE food tested? cover full liability for GE damage. But he government is
The way genes work is not well understood, but There is no testing of GE foods by authorities in New allowing GE experiments anyway. Until laws are
scientists can copy and move the DNA for features in Zealand or Australia. GE Foods are judged for potential changed the taxpayer is carrying the risk for private-
different forms of life. Disabled viruses help 'infect' the risks and enter the market when approved as safe. The industry.
new organism with the DNA. Genes can also be coated U.S. FDA ignored their own scientists' warnings to test
onto metal balls and fired into cells. GE food, and approved it anyway. Won't GE crops help feed the poor?
Developing countries are being forced to take GE crops
What GE is already happening? Is GE food safe? against the wishes of their farmers and people. Biotech
There has been a rush to profit from medicines and GE Scientists are divided, as the risks are so complex. GE companies are patenting and controlling the seed
products and since the 1990's processed foods disrupts the normal workings of a cell or organism in its supply. Projects such as GE "Vitamin A" rice were
containing GE ingredients such as soy, canola and environment. There are no studies of long-term effects. designed to help the poor but ignored local plants as a
potatoes have been imported. Overseas GE hormones Insurance companies have refused cover. The British cheaper sources of vitamins, and required people to eat
are used in dairy farming and Fonterra (the NZ Dairy Medical Association warns the use of anti-biotic many kilos of the rice each day to have an effect.
Board) support GE research to change milk, cattle and resistance genes in GE food could create more disease. Research shows that growing a mix of crops increases
grasses. Other planned uses include GE coffee, rice, In the US there are unexplained reports of increased yields and is a sustainable way for people to feed
wheat and trees. There have been many trials in New allergies from soy and of viral food-borne illnesses. themselves into the future, without the risks of GE.
Zealand but growers say local vegetables and fruit are Other disputed cases include the death of over 30
still 'GE-Free'. Medical uses of GE include making people, and injury of thousands by a problem in GE L- What is the 'Terminator' gene?
insulin , and "gene therapy" experiments. GE is also tryptophan Companies have developed 'Terminator" genes to
used to produce chemicals for industry. protect their patents by making plants produce barren
Why risk more GE field trials? seeds so farmers cannot save them. Other control-
Won't GE crops use less chemicals? The government says new GE field trials will be safe, and systems force farmers to buy a chemical from the
Because GE crops survive spraying with weed-killer they are continuing despite the public's call for research to company and spray it on before the seed will become
can absorb even more chemical residue into our food. be kept in labs. Most field trials only check if the GE active. The Royal Commission approved Terminator in
GE has created 'super-weeds' which need even more organism grows as expected, but they do not test for NZ to slow gene-spread, but it is widely seen as
sprays. Some "Bt" crops produce a chemical that kills contamination into soil and water, or effects of eating unethical. International rules allowing patents on life
pest insects, but can harm other important insects like GE foods. are being challenged at the WTO and in many countries
bees. This Bt can contaminate soil and speed because they deny basic rights.
resistance to sprays developing in insects. Why try to stop "Progress"?
Nobody wants to stop progress that serves people, What are 'nutriceuticals'?
Isn't there a difference between food society, and sustains the environment. GE is a powerful Industry want to sell medicine-foods, sometimes called
and medicine? technology that lacks testing and control. There are 'Nutriceuticals' which will make food into medicine.
The Royal Commission said most people do not want GE many other areas where progress can be made. GE uses Plans include producing 'edible vaccines' in GE
food but accept some ethical medicine made inside outside the lab can threaten the balance of all aspects bananas and other foods. Unless banned as a threat to
labs. People can choose to take medicine that is of Life.
public health, these products must be treated as
medicines with similar tests and controls. What you can do Aotearoa - New
Vote GE Free in the election 27th July!
Can science help develop a GE-Free NZ? Write or talk to your candidates. Ask if Zealand
Science is vital to support our clean-green image and candidates support a policy to go GE-Free.
Write to Helen Clark Ask her to support a 5 year
help us develop sustainably. But there is a huge amount
of funding going to GE instead of to organic agriculture,
and to develop 'clean' technology. Ethical science can
help us understand natural systems without releasing
moratorium on GE releases,at (Freepost) Parliament
Buildings, Wellington.
Register where you live as a GE-free zone at
GE-FREE
GE organisms. Ethical medicine and research in labs www.gefreeregister.org.nz or Ph. 09 438 8649
by 2003
will continue under a GE-Free policy in 'food and Declare your area a GE-Free zone. Work with the
fields'. community board or council. The coalition can help.
Donate $20 to your local GE Free group, Akl GE-
Will being GE-Free help the economy? Free coalition, Madge or Greenpeace.
World markets are seeking GE-Free food. Tourism and Join with us and help with events, or by putting up
exports rely on our clean-green image. Thousands of The government is allowing more GE field
posters and keeping people in touch.
new jobs will be created in agriculture, organic research trials to go ahead, instead of stopping them
Ask bakeries, cafes and take-aways if they use GE
and in marketing NZ-made products. ingredients. From 7th December, they must tell you. Cows and sheep with human genes will
Display a car sticker or a GE-Free notice on your continue to be used
What about cultural and other values? letterbox, at school or work or on a t-shirt. 1% GE contamination, even in 'organic'
GE can transform all aspects of life. The integrity of
Phone talkback radio and write to local papers with food, could be forced on everyone
nature is threatened. It raises cultural and Treaty issues
your views on GE and demand a referendum. Unless public pressure demands a GE-Free
for Maori and non-Maori alike. The government says it
will set up a Bio-Ethics Council to advise them. Issues of Inform your friends and family, and advise children option for the future, commercial GE release
animal welfare are also a major concern, as is the use of who pro GE-food companies may start to target. will start from 2003
human genes in food-animals to make new proteins. Check food labels for GE content Get a Greenpeace
Many people, including Christians, Muslims, Hindus, food guide: www.greenpeace.org.nz . 09 630 6317
Buddhists and Jews, do not want to be forced to accept Call 0800 numbers and ask them to supply GE- BUT
1% GE in food, and object to having choice denied. Free food, eg : Nestles ( Nescafe/ Milo/ Maggi/
Allens): 0800 830 840; Foodtown (09 275 2788); Over two thirds of New Zealanders want our
When will we decide to go GE-Free? Pams (0800 245 114) food and environment 'GE-Free'
The government is proceeding with GE trials. In 2003 Grow your own vegetables and fruit with heirloom
Export markets want GE-Free food
the laws delaying GE commercial releases will seeds or seeds from friends that is guaranteed GE-
automatically lapse. To protect a GE-Free future action Free. Choose organic food when you can. Cities and towns across New Zealand are
is needed now. Submit comments on food and GE trials by putting declaring 'GE-Free Zones'
your name on the mailing list for new applications Tangata Whenua and non-Maori are
What can people do right now? (ERMA, (trials) PO box 131 Wellington, Ph. 04 473 demanding politicians share the people's
People must speak out now and make politicians hear. 8426), (ANZFA, (Food) PO box 10559, Wellington, vision for the future.
Many New Zealanders are acting on their conscience to Ph. 04 473 9942). People must act now to support a
join groups like "Green Gloves" in support of peaceful Visit different websites for a range of views
GE-FREE NZ
civil disobedience, just as they did during the Nuclear- www.gefree.org.nz / www.i-sis.org / www.soil-
Free campaign. There are many things people can do to health.org.nz / www.christian-aid.uk/reports/suicide
demand a GE-Free future is not destroyed forever. www.psrg.org.nz /www.ermanz.govt.nz/
www.gefree.net.nz, www.madge.net.nz