Rallyround the Flag

Public Give "Thumbs Up'"for Ban on GMO's
Friday, 11 December 2009, 10:01 am
Press Release: Jon Carapiet

Most people across the Auckland and Northland region want companies using Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO's) to be held strictly liable for damage, and in some areas most want a ban.
A poll conducted by a multi-council working group on regulation of GM organisms found that all communities strongly favour making users of GMOs legally responsible for any economic or environmental harm that may result. Under the current HSNO Act, no strict liability exists.
Around two thirds of those polled want regulation to make users of GMOs strictly liable for any harm caused, with support ranging from 63% to 72% for individual councils.
The survey also showed that around half the residents (a range of 44% to 55%) want councils to have the right to ban GM plants and animals.
The poll also found clear support from the Northland and Auckland communities for establishing a GM-Free Zone, meaning only producing food that is GM free.
"The current threat from factory farming in the south island to the New Zealand Brand shows how vulnerable the whole country is to rogue elements, and how important it is to protect our brand values of clean, green, sustainable, ethical, nuclear-free and GM-free," says Jon Carapiet, spokesman for GE Free NZ (in food and environment).

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