Since 2001 GM technology and science have developed to the point where scientists warn regulations have not kept pace with techniques and New Zealand research and development is being left behind. German apple breeders have a 40-year jump on NZ by using GM technology which allows up to five years breeding to be done in one.
Perhaps more relevant is the acceptance GM is safe – the world is quickly adopting GM with 175m ha of GM crops grown in 2013 – and the growing consumer acceptance of the technology.
While some would rightly argue that being GM-free is a valuable point of difference for NZ, in reality GM products are coming whether we want them or not and it is almost impossible to preserve that status. Imported seed and products will be or already are GM and scientists say new techniques make it virtually impossible to differentiate GM from non GM products.
Significantly, it is clear GM technology can play a pivotal role in solving NZ-specific problems such as greenhouse gas emissions from agriculture.
It would be ironic if agriculture, which is regularly pilloried by environmentalists for not reducing greenhouse gas emissions, is denied the use of a GM ryegrass to reduce emissions by 30%.
This AgResearch-developed ryegrass looks like re-igniting the GM debate but to be meaningful that discussion requires the Government to regain control of a national issue that has become splintered by anti-GM groups lobbying for council bylaws to prevent the release of GM.
Pro-GM groups need to prove their products will be viable and have meaningful benefits to the economy, environment and consumers.
Finally, the debate needs to be more mature than in the past and based on facts. That might be too much to ask. There is little common ground and the Government has shown little willingness to review the law.
