Organics Aotearoa New Zealand (OANZ) stated that robust genetic engineering (GE) regulations have multiple benefits. The peak organic sector body continued that a precautionary approach to GE has benefitted producers, consumers, the economy, the environment, and the climate.
"Markets around the world are demanding safe, healthy and organic food, and New Zealand has an excellent reputation in this regard," said Philippa Jamieson, OANZ GE spokesperson.
"We benefit from our point of difference in having a GE-free environment, and retaining key markets and premiums makes sense."
GE is also a Tiriti o Waitangi issue, as the WAI262 claim on indigenous flora and fauna is yet to be settled. OANZ member Te Waka Kai Ora (National Māori Organics Authority) joined the WAI262 claim in 2007 specifically to oppose GMOs.
In March, the Organic Products and Production Bill passed with cross-party support (107 votes in favour). OANZ worked on behalf of the organic sector with successive governments on the Bill and was excited it finally passed with such a significant majority.
"Organic and regenerative methods of farming and growing have many positives for farmers, the environment and our economy."
Jamieson said there were numerous safe, natural, evidence-based ways to mitigate climate change without GE. For example, Jamieson added that New Zealand could lower greenhouse gas emissions by reducing synthetic fertiliser use, increasing the diversity of plants ruminant animals eat, and ensuring stock numbers are appropriate to the land's carrying capacity.
She contrasted this with GE technologies, which come with a price tag for farmers, but no evidence to support their safety in the environment. GMOs would be impossible to recall if released, as seeds and pollen can travel long distances. GE crop growing overseas has reduced seed choice for farmers, the development of superweeds, and increased herbicide use.
Jamieson said that clear risks contradict precautionary principles, which are globally accepted as crucial principles in environmental policy development and lawmaking.
"We have seen the negative impacts overseas, which would be similar in NZ, with farmers, the public and the environment likely bearing the cost of any adverse effects, rather than the companies developing or selling GE technologies."
Furthermore, international trends in major markets like the EU and the USA are shifting towards extending organic and regenerative farming practices. OANZ wants to see support for farmers to transition to these practices, to boost this already growing sector. Domestic and global demand for organics saw the New Zealand sector's value grow 20 per cent in the three years to 2020, according to OANZ's Organic Market Report 2020 to 2021. And in North America, consumer demand is seeing the rise of Non-GMO certified food labelling.
OANZ invites all political parties to discuss the risks associated with genetic modification technologies and the benefits of organic regenerative farming.
