Hawke’s Bay’s ability to establish a GM Free food producing zone under local plans has been shielded following last minute changes to the Resource Legislation Amendment Bill. An amendment negotiated by the Maori Party exempts GM crops from the scope of new ministerial powers overriding local decision-making.
A further clause – introduced by the Government after public consultation on the Bill - that would give the minister a second route to impose GM releases on the regions has been deleted.
Pure Hawke’s Bay, a lobby group representing Hawke’s Bay growers, exporters and farmers was fighting to have s360D deleted altogether.
Pure Hawke’s Bay President, Bruno Chambers says the best outcome for the regions would have been the deletion of 360D.
“While the exemption is not as wide as what Pure Hawke’s Bay has called for, it protects Hawke’s Bay’s right to decide on the GMOs most likely to come forward in the foreseebale future. “
The exemption agreed to by the Maori Party and the Government covers the growing of GM crops. Pure Hawke’s Bay understands that that exemption covers GM crops and any outdoor growing of GM crops, whether experimental or commercial. This was confirmed by Marama Fox, who sponsored the amendment, when she told Parliament:
“The Maori Party supports these amendments on the understanding that, as negotiated with the Government, they preserve the regions’ ability under local plans to regulate all types of GM crops in their territories including forestry and grasses and any activities involving the growing of GM crops whether for commercial or other purposes.”
It will mean that the Government cannot override the rules prohibiting outdoor activities involving GM crops on Hawke’s Bay and other regions using those powers.
One of New Zealand’s largest growers, John Bostock says this is a victory for the GM Free campaign.
“We are working hard to protect Hawke’s Bay’s GM Free status because it is such a huge economic opportunity for our high value agricultural economy.
We are grateful to the Maori Party for securing this protection, against a minister who is determined to override our local decision making, despite the clear market advantages that GM free status offers."
For more information:
Catherine Wedd
Tel: +64 06 8783196
Mob: +64 0212886770
www.legislation.govt.nz
Pure Hawke’s Bay President, Bruno Chambers says the best outcome for the regions would have been the deletion of 360D.
“While the exemption is not as wide as what Pure Hawke’s Bay has called for, it protects Hawke’s Bay’s right to decide on the GMOs most likely to come forward in the foreseebale future. “
The exemption agreed to by the Maori Party and the Government covers the growing of GM crops. Pure Hawke’s Bay understands that that exemption covers GM crops and any outdoor growing of GM crops, whether experimental or commercial. This was confirmed by Marama Fox, who sponsored the amendment, when she told Parliament:
“The Maori Party supports these amendments on the understanding that, as negotiated with the Government, they preserve the regions’ ability under local plans to regulate all types of GM crops in their territories including forestry and grasses and any activities involving the growing of GM crops whether for commercial or other purposes.”
It will mean that the Government cannot override the rules prohibiting outdoor activities involving GM crops on Hawke’s Bay and other regions using those powers.
One of New Zealand’s largest growers, John Bostock says this is a victory for the GM Free campaign.
“We are working hard to protect Hawke’s Bay’s GM Free status because it is such a huge economic opportunity for our high value agricultural economy.
We are grateful to the Maori Party for securing this protection, against a minister who is determined to override our local decision making, despite the clear market advantages that GM free status offers."
For more information:
Catherine Wedd
Tel: +64 06 8783196
Mob: +64 0212886770
www.legislation.govt.nz