Genetic Modification
Genetic modification or genetic engineering, also known as GM or GE technology, is defined by About Biotechnology as "The technique of removing, modifying or adding genes to a DNA molecule in order to change the information it contains. By changing this information, genetic engineering changes the type or amount of proteins an organism is capable of producing."
- Biotechnology and genetic modification - New Zealand's position 18 December 2002
Article from Situation and Outlook for New Zealand Agriculture and Forestry
Coexistence
Coexistence refers here to a state where different primary production
systems, including non-GM systems such as organic production and conventional
agriculture, and GM systems, are each contributing in their own way to the
overall benefit of New Zealand while ensuring that their operations are
managed so that they affect each other as little as possible. Coexistence does
not mean that all forms of each production system must be occurring
simultaneously or adjacent to one another. For example, a live GM
vaccine to prevent animal disease might be approved and used before any
applications for releasing a GM crop, and this situation would still represent
coexistence.
Coexistence is not a new concept. It has essentially been occurring in New Zealand and overseas for many years between and within different non-GM production systems. For example, the organic production sector in New Zealand comprises a small group of growers and producers who produce for their markets alongside growers and producers who use products and methods forbidden in organic production. Another example of the coexistence concept in non-GM production is the production of high purity seeds for sowing where neighbouring farmers co-operate to minimise the movement of unwanted pollen from cross-pollinating crops that would lower the usefulness and value of the high purity seeds.
-
Monthly Updates on Coexistence Issues Worldwide
These reports have been prepared by MAF in accordance with the Government's response to the Royal Commission on Genetic Modification (Recommendation 7.7). This relates to monitoring international developments in achieving the effective coexistence of GM and non-GM production systems and assessing their implications for New Zealand. The information is sourced from publicly available articles from newspapers and journals. more>> -
GM and MAF 19 March 2004
What part does MAF play in the GM regulatory environment? more>> -
Co-existence Papers
Released 17 April 2003
The Government has released two Cabinet papers on managing the coexistence of GM and non-GM crops as well as its decisions on the documents. more>> -
MAF
background paper for consultation with Maori on "coexistence"
23 October 2002
Coexistence? How can this be achieved and what role will "conditional release" play? more>> -
MAF presentation on how "conditional release" may assist in
achieving coexistence 21 October 2002
MAF is involved in this consultation process, arranged by MFE, because chapter 4 of the public discussion paper covers "conditional release" under the HSNO Act. If conditional release was written into the amended Act it could be a corner stone to enable the coexistence of GM and other forms of agriculture, horticulture and forestry in New Zealand. more>> - .Towards a Strategy
for Using Bt toxins in New Zealand December 2002
A response to recommendation 7.1 of the Royal Commission on Genetic Modification MAF Technical Paper No: 2002/20 more>> - Literature
Review on Genetically Modified Plants and Bee Products
4 September 2002
MAF Technical Paper No: 2002/05 . more>> - MAF Submission to the Royal Commission on Genetic Modification
20th December 2000
MAF believes that it is important that the agriculture, horticulture and forestry sectors have access to the latest technology in order to remain internationally competitive. Gene technology is being rapidly developed and implemented around the world, and presents opportunities and risks that will need to be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. .... more>>
Contact for Enquiries
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
