Ruakura 'escapes' feared

AgResearch's ability to contain genetically modified organisms and livestock has been questioned as the Crown research institute seeks approval to continue experiments at Ruakura.

During yesterday's second day of hearings into AgResearch's application to continue genetic modification research on cows, sheep and goats – research aimed at producing proteins for potential future use in pharmaceuticals – the Environmental Risk Management Authority (Erma) panel heard several submitters argue that AgResearch could not guarantee that organisms or livestock would not escape the Ruakura site.

Freshwater ecologist Sophie Taptiklis argued AgResearch's application included reference to "high risk organisms" and the organisation was "not able to even attempt to display that they have adequate containment at the test facility when even they do not know what tests will be carried out". She cited the accidental 2007 release of the foot and mouth virus from Britain's Pirbright research facility as one incident where an organism had escaped through waterways.

Organic New Zealand magazine editor Phillippa Jamieson agreed, saying the use of unlined offal pits for disposal of carcasses meant genetically engineered material could be transferred through soil biota. She was "not confident" genetically engineered waste would stay in place at Ruakura, and believed it could drain on to neighbouring farms.

Barbara Mountier was one of several submitters who suggested genetic modification research tarnished New Zealand's clean green reputation.

Her view was shared by environmental issues campaigner Rob Hamill, who said taxpayers would be left to clean up the mess if the AgResearch experiments went wrong.

Federated Farmers representatives John Hartnell and Mark Ross also raised the issue of containment, saying "great care" was needed to ensure animals did not escape the facility.

AgResearch's Dr Jimmy Suttie said the organisation's containment facilities (including a double fence line) met stringent laws, and the possibility of the research animals establishing a feral population was "highly improbable".

Host organisms were "easily contained" and there had been no impacts in 10 years of activity.

The Erma panel makes its decision on March 8.

- © Fairfax NZ News