AgResearch scientists have created a genetically modified, high metabolisable energy (HME) ryegrass that grows faster than conventional varieties, is more resistant to drought, produces 23% less methane and in the laboratory excretes less nitrogen.
New Zealand has convoluted laws governing field trials of genetically modified organisms (GMO) and opponents of the science could tie up an application for years so HME has been trialled in the United States, with early results replicating laboratory predictions.
Here potentially is a solution to several environmental issues but a ban on sowing GMO crops in NZ poses the question: is the potential solution worse than the problem?
There are other issues. Should NZ continue to ban the release of GMOs competing farmers overseas could benefit from NZ-developed and funded technology. Certainly, there will be some payback from royalties but surely the bigger goal must be the benefits to the environment and the sustainability of farmers.
There is also an international issue of how to feed a burgeoning population when land is being degraded and the most fertile soils are being buried under asphalt and concrete. International research is settled that GMOs are safe but the public largely remains suspicious and sceptical, so quite rightly there is a school of thought that NZ food exporters could gain market advantages from the country staying GE-free.
That aside, there will be more than a few sly grins among the rural community as they watch the debate unfold between those demanding action on climate change and environmental degradation and those opposed to HME because it is a GMO. It will certainly not be the last GMO developed that can solve society’s ills and it signals the need for the country to start to have a mature, science-based discussion about the technology.
