Post by kokonutwoman on Mar 11, 2009 9:30:47 GMT 12
Committee investigates bungled GE field trial
(stuff)
The Environmental Risk Management Authority (Erma) has set up a special committee to investigate a bungled field trial of genetically engineered brassicas.
Biosecurity New Zealand last month cancelled approval of the controversial trial at Lincoln, near Christchurch, after conditions to protect the environment were breached by crown research institute Plant and Food Research.
A December audit by Biosecurity NZ found both GE and conventional kale plants re-growing in the field which had been harvested in August.
Plant and Food admitted there was a serious error of judgment by the trial's manager not to follow correct procedures by digging out the plants' stem and roots to prevent re-growth after harvest.
Today Erma said Manuka Henare, a senior lecturer at Auckland University, would head a committee investigating the problems which could result in Plant and Food's approval for a 10-year trial being re-assessed.
(stuff)
The Environmental Risk Management Authority (Erma) has set up a special committee to investigate a bungled field trial of genetically engineered brassicas.
Biosecurity New Zealand last month cancelled approval of the controversial trial at Lincoln, near Christchurch, after conditions to protect the environment were breached by crown research institute Plant and Food Research.
A December audit by Biosecurity NZ found both GE and conventional kale plants re-growing in the field which had been harvested in August.
Plant and Food admitted there was a serious error of judgment by the trial's manager not to follow correct procedures by digging out the plants' stem and roots to prevent re-growth after harvest.
Today Erma said Manuka Henare, a senior lecturer at Auckland University, would head a committee investigating the problems which could result in Plant and Food's approval for a 10-year trial being re-assessed.