GE decision applauded
GE Free Northland has welcomed the Far North District Council’s unanimous vote to lodge an appeal with the Environment Court against the Northland Regional Council decision not to include precautionary/prohibitive measures against genetic engineering in its proposed regional plan.
“In our view the NRC has failed to make a sound decision on the critically important GE/GMOs issue, despite the scientific, economic and cultural evidence presented by submitters supporting provisions to control the adverse effects of GMO use on the environment through the plan,” spokesman Martin Robinson said, adding that his organisation would join the legal action to be taken by the Far North and Whanga¯rei District councils.
Chairwoman Zelka Grammer said GE Free Northland thanked the Far North mayor and all councillors for acting on their duty of care to local farmers, primary producers and other constituents, as well as the environment and biosecurity.
“FNDC continues to demonstrate leadership on the important GE/GMO issue, in the face of NRC’s recent decision and the significant risks posed by outdoor use of GMOs,” she said.
“The process followed by NRC regarding the GE/GMO issue has been highly controversial, and angered many Northlanders. We consider there has been a lack of transparency, which was exacerbated by the failure to appoint independent commissioners to consider the GMO issue under the regional plan for Northland.”
Far North deputy mayor Tania McInnes, who chaired the council meeting, and proposed that the NRC’s decision be appealed, had said she hoped “a new regional council” (after October’s elections) would reconsider, averting the need for a costly appeal. “I’m sure everyone’s aware it’s caused quite a backlash. We have a very special backyard, and should be doing all we can to protect it for now and future generations. It will pay dividends in the long run.”
Ms Grammer added that GE Free Northland would like to see Far North and Whanga¯rei District councils work together and collaborate with other interested parties in the Environment Court challenge. “The Northland region’s valuable agricultural, horticultural, apiculture, pastoral and forestry sectors, and ‘Northland, Naturally’ brand must be protected, as Auckland Council has already achieved in its region,” she said.