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Media Release |
27 July 2005
MAF investigating GM-positive test of maize consignment
The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (MAF) is investigating a GM-positive
test result of a maize consignment following routine industry testing.
The maize consignment, stored in the upper North Island, was tested as part of
normal quality assurance processes and has been isolated while further
investigations are completed. Those investigations will include sending
independent samples to an overseas laboratory, and results may take as long as
three weeks.
MAF eradication programmes manager Ian Gear said the investigation was still in
its early stages, and there was little that could be said until those results
were available.
“The investigation relates to a consignment of 13,500 tonnes of maize held at
locations in the upper North Island. The problem we have is that the sample
comes from mixed seed lines and multiple growers. We have to take all positive
samples seriously, and tracing those seed lines and growers is a priority.
Ian Gear says the maize was destined for manufacture into food products, and
thus rendered non-viable. The next maize crop is due to be planted in October or
November, and the nature of the New Zealand farming industry meant it was very
unlikely that farmers had held any of this year’s crop to plant next season.
Maize is unable to establish a self-sustaining population.
“We are mindful of the timing of this, but for MAF, this is business as usual.
This is the sixth occurrence of this type in the last three years,” Ian Gear
says.
Media contact:
Phil Barclay
Senior Communications Adviser
Biosecurity New Zealand
027 229 9145
