The New Zealand Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (MAF) has commissioned an independent enquiry into the circumstances surrounding recent imports of sweet corn seeds.

This enquiry will be led by former Secretary for Justice David Oughton. An initial report is expected by Christmas.

The review will focus on the design and implementation of MAF’s import health standard relating to imports of Zea mays (maize and sweet corn family) seeds for sowing, and the decision support tools available to MAF border inspectors.

Government policy is that no genetically modified (GM) material should enter New Zealand unless it has been approved by the Environmental Risk Management Authority (ERMA). MAF’s role is to effectively enforce that policy at the border. This enquiry is intended to assist MAF to strengthen its processes and procedures to ensure they are up to the task required.