Support for GE control investigation

GE-Free Northland has welcomed the Far North District Council’s decision to spend $15,000 on an investigation into local control of genetically modified crops and field trials.

The council allocated the money in its 2008-2009 Annual Plan as a contribution towards the work of an inter-council working party that is evaluating risks posed by genetically modified organisms.

Spokewoman for the group Zelka Grammer is pleased the council has committed funds to the working party, which is made up of representatives from eight Auckland and Northland councils.

Under Mayor Yvonne Sharp, the council reversed a decision to contribute $10,000 towards a joint community survey as a first step towards investigating local regulation of genetically modified land uses.

"We are pleased with the Far North District Council’s performance since the local body elections and the replacement of Mayor Yvonne Sharp with Wayne Brown," says Ms Grammer.

She is also pleased that the council’s sustainable environment manager Phillip Grimshaw is leading its work on genetically modified organisms, instead of district facilities manager Alastair Wells.

"He understands the complex interface between the various bits of legislation and the council’s obligations to GE-Free Northland under the memorandum of understanding," she says of Mr Grimshaw.

He also appreciates the significance of a letter from former Environment Minister David Benson-Pope to the working party last year, says.

That letter states that persons affected by GE ‘pollution’, not the polluter, will pay for damages if genetically engineered crops contaminate natural crops or the environment.

- © Fairfax NZ News