July 10, 2003

The Environmental Risk Management Authority of New Zealand has received an application from Crop & Food Research to field test in containment genetically modified onions. It is noted that field trials are not covered by the current moratorium, which applies to releases only.

This is the first application to field test a genetically modified plant received by the Authority since the New Zealand Forest Research Institute applied to field test modified trees three years ago.

The application seeks to undertake contained field trials of onions that have been genetically modified with a standard herbicide resistance gene that confers tolerance to the herbicide glyphosate. The stated aim of the trial is to investigate the environmental, economic and social impact of using glyphosate-resistant weed control technology as an alternative to the current herbicide applications used on onion crops. The proposed work will be conducted on land managed by Crop & Food Research in the region around Lincoln, Canterbury.

The application was publicly notified today. Public notification is an automatic process under the HSNO Act i.e. it occurs within a set time frame once an application is received. Part of this notification process involves making available on the ERMA New Zealand website details of this field test including the Application Summary prepared by the applicant and the Full Application. Both documents can be viewed from the applications register on our website: http://www.ermanz.govt.nz/search/application1.cfm (type in the code GMF03001) or copies can be obtained from our office on request.

Public submissions on this application may be made by any interested person by the 20 August 2003, 30 working days after public notification. A brochure on Making a Submission can either be downloaded from our website: http://www.ermanz.govt.nz/resources/alphabetical.asp or a copy can be made available on request. Submissions may be made by using our on-line submission form or paper copy at: http://www.ermanz.govt.nz/consultations/consult-apps.cfm.

Or see the focus page to access the information above.

If a hearing is requested this is likely to take place at the end of September / early October.

For further information please contact:

Communications.
Telephone +64 4 918 4826.
Facsimile +64 4 914 0433.
Email: info@ermanz.govt.nz