B+LNZ says it has provided an update for farmers on the Gene Technology Bill – now being considered by a Parliamentary select committee – because there is a lot of discussion around gene technology (or GE or GMOs).

B+LNZ provided written and oral submissions during the recent select committee hearing on the Bill, the stated aim of which is to enable the safe use of gene technology and regulated organisms in New Zealand.

B+LNZ says it provide  submissions during this process despite being frustrated with the short timeframes.

Before the Committee hearings it wrote a joint letter with DairyNZ, the Meat Industry Association and the Dairy Companies Association of New Zealand requesting an extension of the public consultation period, “to enable proper consultation with our farmers”.

The Government declined this request.

B+LNZ says gene technology is a complex and divisive topic.

“From our ongoing discussions with farmers we know that some are very opposed to gene technology, while others see potential opportunities, and many need more information before deciding where they stand”.

In its submission, B+LNZ made the following points:

• We made it clear we had not been able to consult properly in the time provided, and that there is a broad range of views on this issue.
• We noted that while we had not been able to undertake proper consultation, we had done some preliminary engagement through a survey. While it did not replace full engagement, the survey was a useful initial guide as it was undertaken by an independent research agency using a randomly selected and representative sample of farmers from the B+LNZ farmer database by region, using scientifically valid methodology.
• We called for changes to the legislation that could accommodate farmer concerns highlighted in the survey about gene technology, relating to market access, traceability and risk management.
• We noted that market access restrictions on the use of gene technology in key markets needed to be taken into account in the Gene Technology framework.
• We highlighted farmer concerns about traceability and co-existence, noting that the legislation was not clear on how this would be managed and asked for clarification. Farmers who do not wish to use GE technology should be able to market their products as GE free.
• We noted there was a lack of clarity in how different levels of risk will be determined, which in turn made it difficult to assess level of caution. We requested a transition period on the implementation of the risk criteria that would allow time to consider whether market access and traceability concerns should be included, or whether these concerns were managed adequately by other existing legislation.

The Select Committee is currently considering the submissions.

B+LNZ says it will continue to advocate for the Government to slow this process down “so we can work through the complexities. We will also continue to advocate strongly for primary producers to have significant input into this legislation, and will continue to work with our sector partners”.

• This article on B+LNZ’s Select Committee submission includes the submission itself, more information on the survey it refers to and the joint letter asking the Government to extend the consultation.

Source: B+LNZ