Call for GE free New Plymouth

The Soil & Health Association is encouraging the New Plymouth District Council (Council) to adopt precautionary provisions in the District Plan, for any genetically engineered (genetically modified) organisms that may be trialed or used commercially.

The Proposed Draft New Plymouth District Plan fails to regulate or make any mention at all of GMOs.

Soil & Health is calling on Council to follow the lead of other councils that have already banned the outdoor release of GMOs.

Auckland Council, Far North District Council and Whangarei District Council have all prohibited the outdoor release of GMOs and made field trials a discretionary activity with performance standards regarding liability and the posting of bonds.

Under the RMA, bonds can be included in district plans for remediation and to cover the costs of contamination, if local councils choose to implement them.

Submissions on the New Plymouth District Plan close on Friday 16 March at 5 pm.

Read the full statement from the Soil & Health Association