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Continued Regulation of Gene Editing
We need to ensure our politicians are informed.
Welcome to our newsletter.
We have just been told that GE Regulation would be removed if National, Act and TOP get into Parliament by setting up a BioTechnology Authority. This has two flaws as the appointed administrators would be charged with introducing GE and removing the precautionary principles around environmental and peoples safety. This has dire consequences when looking at Brazil the second biggest GE grower in the world. They are suffering serious problems with poverty, environmental destruction, toxicity from pesticides and corporate capture. We cannot allow this to happen in NZ
1. I was part of a 20 person international delegation to Brazil on behalf of “Stop GE Trees”. We visited the indigenous, landless workers and Quilambola peoples in Bahia, Espirito Santo and Mato Grosso. The region was dotted with small agroecological farms, organically managed and rich in diversity. There were plants of manioc, acerola, pineapple, watermelon, mango, greens, sugar cane, coffee and rubber trees. The birds, bees and butterflies were seen in abundance. An MST (Landless workers) farm grew the largest organic rice production in Brazil that exported around the World. A thriving community fighting to live as their ancestors protecting nature and giving hope to their children. All this is under threat as they have no title to their lands. Big corporations are cutting down the Atlantic and Amazon forests and creeping into the Cerrado to plant vast plantations.
In 2015 and 2018 the Government in Brazil approved the plantation of GE Eucalyptus. New Zealand Rubicon’s, Horizon2, (later ArborGen) premises originally developed and exported over 500,000 GE seedlings and cell cultures to the US and Brazil.
However, whilst international forestry corporations are raping and pillaging the Brazilian land for paper and bio fuels, we heard of the loss of the indigenous peoples sovereignty. Their sacred rivers and forests had been decimated by 16 million hectares of silent Eucalyptus Tree plantations. Wetlands had dried up, the constant aerial spraying of pesticides is polluting their water supply, and the spray drift is killing their food and trees. Animals had disappeared and fish had died from the pollution. Their children were suffering from ill health. With no title to their lands they are being slowly killed off, drifting away to work in slave labour conditions up to 16 hours a day for the big forestry corporations.
2. We talked to the indigenous, landless workers and Quilombola peoples live in an agroecological oasis surrounded by vast plantations of eucalyptus forests that are now going to be genetically engineered. Travel was long and in the 5 hours of travelling we were surrounded on both sides by Eucalyptus plantations. The corporate land grab into their regions is threatening their livelihood, culture and traditions. They still are fighting to have sovereignty and title to their ancestral lands. They are fighting to preserve the Atlantic and Amazon Forests and the Ceraddo where the GE trees will further suck dry the rivers and wetlands. The spray planes and drones do not turn off their sprays as they fly between plantations. The crops are suffering, the children are becoming sick and the fish and animals are dying from the pesticide residues in the rivers and land. One man had 40 beehives 36 died from the sprays and he now needs to travel 20 km to his 4 remains beehives. Where the indigenous, landless and Quilambola people live their survival is under threat as Surano is building the largest cellulose, pulp and paper mill in the world covering 400 acres.
Thank you everyone for the financial support we have had over the last few months.
Together, we must keep NZ GE/GMO Free.
Nga mihi,
Claire Bleakley, President
027 348 6731
Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/GEFreeNZ/)
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Contact your Ministers:
https://www.beehive.govt.nz/ministers
A concise summary of our standing as per this Letter to the Editor, NZ Herald:
Thur 1 June 2023
Dear Editor,
ACT's David Seymour is calling for Gene Editing to be deregulated and promising to bring trials of GE rye-grass back to New Zealand. Similar calls have been made in Britain but have been met with consumer alarm that deregulation will stop safety testing and labelling of GE foods and take away the consumer right to choose.
Growers of conventional and organic products are concerned that their capacity to meet the global demand for non-GMO that has been a boon for New Zealand exporters, will also be lost unless Gene Edited products are controlled and tracked, and users held liable if something 'goes wrong'.
ACT should remember it's responsibilities as the Association of Consumers and Taxpayers, and defend the consumer's right to choose. ( DELETED from original - Regulation is not a dirty word when it comes to powerful technologies of Genetic Engineering, Nanotechnology and Artificial Intelligence. }
Jon Carapiet
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Across the ditch:
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Banana appeal: Australia’s first genetically modified fruit sent for approval
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Corteva says it will label new GM seeds
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HIDDEN GMO INGREDIENTS - Secret Ingredients
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presented by:
- Claire Bleakley, President 027 348 6731
- Jon Carapiet, National Spokesman 0210507681
- Jon Muller, Secretary 027 479 4195
Full press release & all references can be found on their links provided with each article.
https://www.gefree.org.nz/
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02/06/2023
The withdrawal of the application to grow GE ryegrass in Australia has added to doubts about the viability of AgResearch's GE-ryegrass which has already done poorly in previous trials.
Withdrawal of an application often indicates regulators have given a quiet word that the application is about to be rejected. Results released under the Official Information Act have shown the GE ryegrass will change the composition of milk sold to consumers and has been less effective in reducing methane emissions than existing alternatives.
Full press release with references: https://press.gefree.org.nz/press/20230602.htm
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10/05/2023
Canadian Agriculture Minister Marie-Claude Bibeau has approved the adoption of Gene Edited (GE) seeds without any regulation, health or safety assessments, traceability or liability and only voluntary disclosure. The deregulation of GE seeds includes the U.S., Japan, Australia, Argentina and Brazil, as cited by National Newswatch Canada. [1]
The article indicates that the New Zealand Government has been in closed door talks to “progress allowing GE seeds to be imported and sold in New Zealand, the UK and the European Union”.
Full press release with references: https://press.gefree.org.nz/press/20230510.htm
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01/05/2023
The fake GE burger from US Impossible Foods is no longer listed online by New Zealand supermarkets after concerns of greenwashing about the unlabelled use of GE Soy. We hope Countdown have recognised the problem of deceptive practice of hidden GM Soy used as a main ingredient in Impossible Burger. Consumers have a right to know. Ethical and sustainable consumers do not want to support GMO soy and would expect it to be labelled voluntarily.
Full press release with references: https://press.gefree.org.nz/press/20230501.htm
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27/04/2023
The report's push for deregulation of Gene Editing would risk disastrous exposure to biological systems. At risk are our world-class reputation for safe food, natural production systems and ethical animal welfare
Full press release with references: https://press.gefree.org.nz/press/20230427.htm
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20/04/2023
There are renewed concerns about the approval by Food Standard Australia NZ (FSANZ) of GE Golden Rice, following a ruling by The Philippine Supreme Court that Syngenta must “cease and desist” any commercialisation and propagation of the GE rice.
The Philippine Supreme Court has required independent risk and impact assessments to be undertaken and for consent from the farmers and indigenous peoples before progressing. [1]
Full press release with references: https://press.gefree.org.nz/press/20230420.htm
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30/03/2023
IA hearing on the use of Actara, a highly toxic neo-nicotinoid pesticide now banned in the EU, will be held on Thursday 30 March by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). [1]
A reassessment was applied for by The Ministry of Primary Industries (MPI) which is seeking approval to increase the use of the product Actara (active ingredient - thiamethoxam) to allow its use as an emergency biosecurity response against the brown marmorated stink bug (BMSB).
If approved. the proposal will be ground-based eradication and targeted aerial spraying, at the highest application rate and highest application frequency. [2] This is a direct threat to native bees, and increase the exposure of beneficial insects to toxic pesticides.
Full press release with references: https://press.gefree.org.nz/press/20230330.htm
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29/03/2023
There are long term advantages for New Zealand from the work by MPI and the Organic sector to inform the standards and regulations for sustainable organic production.
The Organics Bill sets a National and International bench mark that will ensure people can have assurance that their food in grown in an environment that is free of synthetic pesticides and GMOs.
Full press release with references: https://press.gefree.org.nz/press/20230329.htm.
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18/03/2023
Pressure on the government from the Life Sciences Summit and Federated Farmers for the de-regulation and release of GE crops is a disservice to the public of Aotearoa/ New Zealand.
Lobbying for de-Regulation of GE is misguided. Fed Farmers leading proponents have a conflict of interest in actively promoting genetic engineering, while also being funded by LifeScience Network, holding chair of government funding Ministries and owning patents on the technology.
Full press release with references: https://press.gefree.org.nz/press/20230318.htm
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14/02/2023
Another case of failed traits in genetically engineered (GE) crops shows New Zealand has dodged a bullet by maintaining our production systems and environment as GE Free.
New Zealand has been criticised for being slow to follow the push to deregulate genetically engineered (GE) crops, which has been seen overseas but without any safety studies or history of safe use.
However, the record of failure of GE to deliver claimed benefits, including tackling climate change, should be a wake up call for NZ political parties looking to weaken or exempt Gene Edited crops from regulation in the belief that they are the same as naturally cross-bred crops.
Full press release with references: https://press.gefree.org.nz/press/20230214.htm
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13/12/2022
New Zealand biosecurity is at risk from the same serious flaws in regulations that have been identified in the UK House of Commons Genetic Technology Bill.
The House of Lords Committee has found a lack of transparency and failure of accountability that could lead to grave conflicts of Interest in the House of Commons “Genetic Technology (Precision Breeding) Bill”. This Bill could be termed “The Skeleton Bill” as it proposes to leave all decisions around genetically engineered (GE) new biotechnologies to the Minister, Biotech and regulators.
The Bill intends to reduce the regulatory burden and financial barriers for researchers and commercial breeders using 'precision breeding technologies' though the definitions and compliance are vague and inappropriate.
Full press release with references: https://press.gefree.org.nz/press/20221213.htm
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04/12/2022
The Minister for Food Safety Meka Whaitiri has been called on to look into the reasons for excluding New Zealand submissions regarding Foods Standards Australia/ NZ (FSANZ) proposal (P1055).
Food Standards Australia New Zealand received 1734 submissions to consider new definitions for Gene Edited foods. Despite submissions warning against the inadequate science to support its decision, FSANZ concluded that certain categories of Gene Edited food should be excluded from pre-market approval, labelling and regulation. This compromises a consumer's right to choose, and puts at risk the future integrity of the food system if no safety check or traceability is required. [1]
FSANZ assessment appears to have cherry-picked the evidence and deliberately excluded certain New Zealand submissions, including GE Free NZ’s. [2]
Full press release with references: https://press.gefree.org.nz/press/20221204.htm
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19/10/2022
** Joint Press Release (GE Free NZ and Safe Food Campaign)
The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA NZ) has made the right decision on the reassessment of three toxic organophosphates. The Vegetable Research and Innovation Board (VRIB) applied to the EPA to reassess a 2012 decision to phase out diazinon by 2028 and fenamiphos and methamidophos by 2023. The VRIB reassessment called on the EPA to extend the period for a further ten years, until 2033.
The EPA declined the reassessment and ruled that diazinon is to be phase out by 2028 and fenamiphos and methamidophos by 2024. [1]
Full press release with references: https://press.gefree.org.nz/press/2022.10.19.htm
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09/10/2022
The latest Scion Annual report (June 2022) to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA NZ) on the GE pine trees that have been engineered for traits including altered plant growth/biomass, reproductive development, herbicide tolerance, biomass utilisation, wood density, and wood dimensional stability confirms that there was no environmental impact research conducted. [1]
The lack of research on the effects that herbicides, lignin changes and altered reproductive traits would have on soils, indigenous flora and fauna and also on established pine plantations, is highly concerning. New Zealand currently relies on the exports of plantation pine trees to support the economy. Any threat to the forestry industry from genetically engineered trees would cause serious problems.
Full press release with references: https://press.gefree.org.nz/press/20221009.htm
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07/09/2022
Results from field trials of GE rye grass, engineered to deal with climate change effects, show that it performs poorly compared to existing rye grass varieties. Information received under the OIA reported that there was no significant difference in performance between the GE traits and controls, except in one trait line. All the other lines had poorer performance outcomes. [1}
Despite years of experimentation no feeding trial with animals have yet been conducted.
Full press release with references: https://press.gefree.org.nz/press/20220907.htm
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22/07/2022
The Green Party are being called on to support a new Toi Te Taiao with an expanded role to include other emerging technologies; Synthetic Biology, Artificial Intelligence, Nano-technology and Geo-engineering.
In an open letter to Green Party members and MPs, former Green Party co-leader Jeanette Fitzsimons is acknowledged for her work in policy development that ensures robust regulation of Genetic Engineering in Aotearoa. [1]
Jeanette advocated for The Royal Commission on Genetic Modification which led to Toi Te Taiao - The Bioethics Council being established.
Full press release with references: https://press.gefree.org.nz/press/20220722.htm
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22/07/2022
There is an opportunity cost to New Zealand's 'natural' reputation in primary production that is not being considered and casts doubt on the direction proposed by Te Puna Whakaaronui.
This new think tank set up by the Ministry of Primary Industries to represent the food and fibre sector states in the “Fit for a better World” report that their approach will -
Full press release with references: https://press.gefree.org.nz/press/20220601.htm
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12/06/2023
New Zealand doesn’t need a loosening of GE regulation to combat climate change, it needs significant investment in organic, regenerative agriculture, says the Soil & Health Association.
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12/06/2023
The National Party says New Zealand will be left behind if it does not overhaul restrictions on genetic modification and it plans to address the issue if it leads the next Government.
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12/06/2023
3 minutes in. ...
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https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/132289266/national-calls-to-end-ban-on-gene-edited-crops
11/06/2023
The National Party is campaigning to reverse the “ban” on gene editing and genetic modification.
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09/06/2023
Farmers and exporters benefit from us having high standards for safe, natural food. It is a point of difference for many consumers and underpins NZ’s exports and reputation.
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12/06/2023
The National Māori Organics Authority says the National Party's plan to remove effective bans on genetic modification is a blatant dismissal of the need to consult with Māori.
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Scientists have submitted Australia’s first genetically modified fruit – a Cavendish banana – to regulators for approval, saying it has been engineered to withstand a deadly fungus that poses a threat to banana growers worldwide.
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12/05/2023
Corteva Agriscience, the world’s second largest seed company, says it will label all seeds developed using new GM techniques (sometimes called “new genomic techniques” or NGTs), even if upcoming EU rules don’t require this, according to a report in Politico (subscription only).*
Politico quotes Teresa Babuscio from Corteva’s Europe and Asia division as saying: “We are committed to [voluntarily] disclos[ing] the breeding methods through which the seeds are made available. In this way, we will make sure that farmers can not only choose, but also market the crop according to the added value that the NGT brings to the harvest.”
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Prepocessed foods often have hidden GM sources (unless they are organic or declared Non-GMO_.
The following are ingredients that may be made from GMOs
- Aspartame (also called AminoSweet®, NutraSweet®, Equal Spoonful®, Canderel®, BeneVia®, E951)
- baking powder
- canola oil (rapeseed oil)
- caramel color
- cellulose
- citric acid
- cobalamin (Vitamin B12)
- colorose
- condensed milk
- confectioners sugar
- corn flour
- corn masa
- corn meal
- corn oil
- corn sugar
- corn syrup
- cornstarch
- cottonseed oil
Want to see more?
For the full list of Hidden GM Ingredients, visit this link:
https://responsibletechnology.org/shop-healthy/secret-ingredients/?fbclid=IwAR3X3IKK_5vLeoWeLC4Do0F9wZrjBn7_2ACpcc5BiYg-hLCen0OV8QJiO9I
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Organic Consumers Association
20/10/2022
Michael Nevradakas reports for The Defender:
“CRISPR, a recently developed gene-editing technology is promoted as a potential solution to numerous diseases, to food security and climate change — even as a way to deliver ‘designer babies’ and bring extinct mammals back to life.
The technology has attracted significant investments and the attention of actors such as Bill Gates and the World Economic Forum (WEF).
But many scientists express concerns about the technology’s potential harmful effects.
In interviews with The Defender, Dr. Michael Antoniou, head of the Gene Expression and Therapy Group at King’s College London, and Claire Robinson, managing editor of GMWatch, provided insights into the flaws of this technology, its potential consequences and the risks associated with not regulating it sufficiently.”
Full article: https://organicconsumers.org/scientists-sound-the-alarm-2/
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Sustainable Pulse
09/11/2022
The average level of dicamba herbicide in the urine of pregnant women has increased more than 3-fold since 2017, the year widespread planting of dicamba-tolerant GMO crops began, Heartland Health Research Alliance (HHRA) reported on Tuesday.
Full article: https://sustainablepulse.com/2022/11/09/
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Sustainable Pulse
28/10/2022
The Indian government has restricted the use of glyphosate-based herbicides due to the risks to human and animal health. On Tuesday the Agricultural Ministry stated in a notification that “the use of glyphosate is prohibited and no person, except Pest Control Operators (PCOs), shall use glyphosate.”
Full article: https://sustainablepulse.com/2022/10/28/i
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Sustainable Pulse
28/10/2022
For decades, Swiss chemical giant Syngenta has manufactured and marketed a widely used weed killing chemical called paraquat, and for much of that time the company has been dealing with external concerns that long-term exposure to the chemical may cause the dreaded, incurable brain ailment known as Parkinson’s disease.
Full article: https://sustainablepulse.com/2022/10/28/
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Sustainable Pulse
28/10/2022
Finnish researchers have discovered how Roundup, a herbicide containing glyphosate, affects the learning and memory of bumblebees. A small dose affected their ability to learn and memorize connections between colors and taste. This weakened fine color vision can severely impair bumblebees’ foraging and nesting success.
Full article: https://sustainablepulse.com/2022/10/28/
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Sustainable Pulse
17/11/2022
In a new revelation reported by GMWatch this week, it has been found that a rat feeding study published in 2008 found that GM soy harms the pancreas, confirming earlier findings in mice.
In 2002 and 2003 the Italian scientist Manuela Malatesta published two groundbreaking studies showing damage to the pancreas of mice fed GM soybeans for long-term periods of up to eight months. The GM-fed mice also suffered damaged liver and testes function.
Full article: https://sustainablepulse.com/2022/11/17/
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Sustainable Pulse
17/11/2022
As more health-conscious consumers seek to avoid toxic chemicals and pesticides in their foods, The Detox Project reported the “Glyphosate Residue Free” (GRF) certification market grew more than 20% in the past year to nearly $800 million, with a growing number of companies seeing the value of displaying the certification seal on their products. Third-party, independent data from leading […] The post Glyphosate Residue Free Certification Market Reaches USD 800 Million as Consumers ...
Full article: https://sustainablepulse.com/2022/11/17/
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We would love it if you could help by contributing an AP, no matter how small, to keep us ticking over & provide much needed assistance to raising awarenesses & protecting our legislation.
Please help us continue to keep Aoetearoa GE Free. We utilise your donations towards whatever action is currently requiring attention.
bank account#: 06-0996-0521358-00
http://www.gefree.org.nz/join-ge-free-new-zealand/
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For more information about what you can do to help
please visit
gefree.org.nz
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