In the third episode of our genetic modification and genetic engineering discussion series, hear from two different sides of the debate, on what the risks are of introducing GE into our market, and how these risks could be managed and identified. 

Guests include:

1. Jon Carapiet, Spokesperson, GE Free New Zealand 
2. Dr Alec Foster, Biotech Industry Lead, Scion 

Hosts:

1. Sheryl Haitana, Editor, Dairy Exporter
2. Anne Lee, Deputy Editor, Dairy Exporter

Jon Carapiet says overseas, American markets have been forced to accept cross contamination of genetically modified products with organics, and we shouldn’t take that as a sign to follow suit here. He says the non-GE market is growing by 12% a year on-going until 2032, and for New Zealand it’s important to be able to stay in that market. 

He discusses how it’s very hard to come back from introducing GE into the food system, and in places like America it’s as simple as the pollen being spread by bees, it is no longer GE free. 

Dr Alec Foster of Scion is at the coalface of the changes to NZ’s GE & GM regulations, in his role on the advisory committee. He likens the need to embrace GE technologies to the way we’re starting to integrate AI technology into our workspaces. He says even though our strict regulations might not have been a problem in the past, they will become a problem going forward. 

He says if NZ doesn’t adopt these biotechnologies we will get left behind. 

Buy the Dairy Exporter Spring Issue here

Further reading on this topic:

Predicted multispecies unintended effects from outdoor genome editing

Non GMO Food Market Size, Trends & Growth

US Polls on GE Food Labelling

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