The Environmental Risk Management Authority (ERMA New Zealand) has approved an application by the New Zealand Institute for Crop and Food Research to field test genetically-modified brassicas in the Lincoln region. However, ERMA New Zealand has included strict controls to manage the risk of GM material escaping from the site.
Crop and Food Research has applied to field test three vegetable (broccoli, cabbage and cauliflower), and a forage Brassica (forage kale) in the Lincoln region for a period of 10 years.
Media releases
| 11 April 2008 | Application to field test GE modified Allium species |
| 28 May 2007 | ERMA New Zealand places strict controls on GM Brassica test |
| 3 April 2007 | Hearing reminder: GM Brassica field test application |
| 30 January 2007 | Christchurch venue for GM Brassica hearing |
| 31 October 2006 | ERMA New Zealand receives GM Brassica application |
FAQs
What is the purpose of this field test?
The purpose, as stated in the application is: To assess agronomic performance, in the Lincoln region, over 10 years of vegetable and forage brassicas, specifically cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower and kale, modified for resistance to caterpillar pests like cabbage white butterfly and diamond-back moth
Also visit the applicant's web site
What does a field test mean?
Under the HSNO Act a field test is the conducting of trials on the effects of the organism under conditions similar to those of the environment into which the organism is likely to be released.
Under a field test the organism or any heritable material must be fully contained and not allowed to escape from the site. At the end of the trial this material must be able to be retrieved or destroyed. This means that a field test is a contained activity and measures must be put in place to prevent the spread or escape of the organism into the wider environment beyond the field test site.
Will the plants be allowed to flower in the field test and how will the spread of pollen and seed be prevented?
The applicant proposes to remove the plants from the field test site before they flower to prevent the release of pollen.
The application states If the trial is approved, the brassica plants will not be allowed to flower in the field. It is easy to tell when these plants are going to flower as they have very obvious flower heads which develop for at least a fortnight. Plants will be monitored closely in the field. Most plants will be destroyed before they flower. However, promising plants will be removed to the glasshouse to flower so seed can be collected.
How do I get involved in the process?
You can participate in the process by making a submission on the application. Submissions can be made to ERMA New Zealand until 12 December 2006. That is 6 weeks after receipt of the application by ERMA New Zealand. You can make a submission on the application by using our on-line submission form or send your comments by post. If you wish, you can choose to present your views in person before the hearing committee at a public hearing. To do this, remember to say in your submission that you wish to be heard. You will be advised of when and where a hearing (if required) will be held if you have asked to be heard.
What is a public hearing?
A public hearing is the opportunity for anyone who made a submission to present their submission to the hearing committee. The hearing committee is the decision makers on the application and is comprised of members of the Authority.
Where do I get more information on the application?
Where do I get more information on the ERMA process?
ERMA New Zealand's Protocol, Policy and Process publications