Abstract

Reference: New Zealand Royal Commission 2001
Title: Report of the Royal Commission on Genetic Modification
Authors: The Royal Commission on Genetic Modification, The Royal Society of New Zealand
Publisher: The Royal Commission on Genetic Modification, 8^th Floor, Dalmuir House, 134 The Terrace, P.O. Box 3554, Wellington
Publication details: July 2001. 441p.

Consultations with the people of New Zealand showed that, while most were comfortable with genetic modification for medical purposes, many strongly opposed other uses. Many of the submissions to the Commission focused substantially on food and crops. The submissions stressed that the safety and certainty of the science have yet to be proved, reflecting the fact that, at least for the moment, world consumer preferences are against use of genetic modification in food. First generation genetically modified crops have shown few obvious benefits for consumers.

The major conclusion of the report is that New Zealand should keep its options open. It would be unwise to turn our back on the potential advantages on offer, but we should proceed carefully, minimising and managing risks. Continuation of the development of conventional farming, organics and integrated pest management should be facilitated. The major theme of the Report is Preserving Opportunities. The recommendations aim to encourage the coexistence of all forms of agriculture. The different production systems should not be seen as being in opposition to each other, but rather as contributing in their own ways to the overall benefit of New Zealand.

The comprehensive report covers over 400 pages of submissions, expert advice, analysis and recommendations. There are 49 recommendations, covering the applications of genetic modification in agriculture, the environment and medicine, as well as related issues such as intellectual property, ethical and cultural matters and the regulatory system. 

The Commission concludes: “Technology is integral to the advancement of the world. Fire, the wheel, steam power, electricity, radio transmission, air and space travel, nuclear power, the microchip, DNA: the human race has ever been on the cusp of innovation. Currently, biotechnology is the new frontier. Continuation of research is critical to New Zealand’s future. As in the past we should go forward but with care.”

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