Cabinet Policy Committee
Minute of Decision

 POL Min (03) 8/7

Copy No:

This document contains information for the New Zealand Cabinet. It must be treated in confidence and handled in accordance with any security classification, or other endorsement. The information can only be released, including under the Official Information Act 1982, by persons with the appropriate authority.

Government Response to the Royal Commission on Genetic Modification: Report on Managing the Effects of GM Organisms and Co-existence in Primary Production: Paper 2: Practicalities of Specific Issues

On 9 April 2003 the Cabinet Policy Committee:

Industry Code of Practice to Ensure Effective Separation Distances between GM and Unmodified Crops

  1. noted that the Ministry for the Environment (MfE), the Environmental Risk Management Authority (ERMA) and the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (MAF) will continue to work with Maori to ensure that Maori are able to participate fully in the ERMA process to address Maori land issues relevant to coexistence;
  2. noted that while a generic code of practice, based on the current seed certification scheme with enhancements, could be developed in advance of applications to ERMA, there would be benefits in waiting to see what crops are likely to be introduced into New Zealand before developing such a code;
  3. noted that in the short to medium term ERMA’s cautious case-by-case consideration of applications for release will effectively address any issues relating to managing adverse effects, including any risks relating to the unintended presence of GM material, and set the scene for developing a generic industry code of practice;
  4. directed officials led by MAF to report back to the Cabinet Policy Committee (POL) by 31 October 2004 on the need for, and issues surrounding, developing a generic industry code of practice that aims to achieve effective coexistence in primary production;

    5. A Strategy for Mitigating the Impact of Flowering GM Plants on Bee Products

  5. noted that under the proposed new conditional release category ERMA could set conditions to mitigate the impact of flowering GM plants on bee products;
  6. directed officials led by MAF to investigate the use of a Geographic Information System (GIS)-based register for GM plants to enable apiarists to site their hives away from unwanted nectar or pollen food sources, and make this information available to the beekeeping community;
  7. noted that MAF will be conducting further work on coexistence issues and will report back if issues arise which require any further government decisions;

    8. Strategies to Preserve the Long-term Effectiveness of Bt-Based Insecticides

  8. noted that under the proposed new conditional release category ERMA may require an applicant seeking the release of a crop containing Bt (bacillus thuringiensis) genes to comply with an insect resistance strategy to protect the efficacy of Bt as a pesticide;
  9. noted that ERMA, MfE and MAF will continue to monitor developments in managing potential Bt resistance internationally and will report back if issues arise which require any further government decisions;

    10. Options for a Cost-Effective Labelling Regime to Identify GM Propagative Material at Point of Sale

  10. noted that under the proposed new conditional release category ERMA may require compliance with segregation and labelling conditions on approvals for GM organisms to prevent or manage any identified adverse effects, but not for buyer choice;
  11. directed officials led by MAF to develop a code or practice, with industry input, for labelling of GM propagative material at point of sale, and report back to POL by 31 October 2004 about whether the code should be mandatory or voluntary, taking into account any cost implications, trade considerations and New Zealand’s international trade obligations;

    12. A Nation-wide Network to Facilitate Co-operation and Requirements for a Mediation Service

  12. noted that there is a range of existing mechanisms that could fulfil the role of a nation-wide network to facilitate co-operation and mediation in relation to coexistence;
  13. agreed that no further action is needed at present on developing a nation-wide network or the provision of mediation, but that MAF should continue to monitor the situation;

    14. Publicity

  14. agreed this paper be made available as soon as practicable after decisions have been taken, and posted on relevant websites;

    15. Communication

  15. noted that the Minister of Agriculture indicates that the paper does not require consultation with government caucuses or other parliamentary parties.

Sue Sharp

Secretary Reference: POL (03) 83

Present:

Officials present from:

Rt Hon Helen Clark (Chair)
Hon Dr Michael Cullen
Hon Jim Anderton
Hon Steve Maharey
Hon Phil Goff
Hon Annette King
Hon Jim Sutton
Hon Trevor Mallard
Hon Pete Hodgson
Hon Margaret Wilson
Hon Parekura Horomia
Hon Lianne Dalziel
Hon Mark Burton
Hon Paul Swain
Hon Marian Hobbs
Hon Rick Barker

Office of the Prime Minister
Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet

Copies to: (see over)

Copies to:
  • Cabinet Policy Committee
  • Chief Executive, DPMC
  • Mary Anne Thompson, DPMC
  • Secretary to the Treasury
  • Chief Executive, Ministry of Economic Development
  • Secretary for Justice
  • Secretary of Foreign Affairs and Trade
  • Director-General of Health
  • Director-General of Agriculture and Forestry [Agriculture]
  • State Services Commissioner
  • Chief Executive, Ministry of Research, Science and Technology
  • Chief Executive, Te Puni Kokiri
  • Minister for the Environment
  • Secretary for the Environment
  • Minister of Conservation
  • Director-General of Conservation
  • Minister of Consumer Affairs
  • Head, Ministry of Consumer Affairs

 

Contact for Enquiries

Dr Sharon Adamson
Manager, Innovation Policy
Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry
PO Box 2526
Wellington
NEW ZEALAND

Phone: +64 4 894 0618
Fax: +64 4 4 894 0741
Contact this person

 
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