As New Zealand stands at a crossroads in its agricultural journey, the potential introduction of Genetic Engineering (GE) and Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) into the industry raises critical questions.

For a nation known globally for its clean, green image and premium food exports, opening the door to GE could have significant repercussions. The stakes are high, and it’s crucial to examine what could be lost if New Zealand shifts toward a GE-driven agricultural system.

This is a one-way door. Experience from other countries shows that once it’s done, there is no going back!

Here are some of my key arguments against the use of GE in New Zealand:

Threat to export markets

Consumer preferences

Many of New Zealand’s key export markets, such as the European Union and parts of Asia, have stringent regulations and strong consumer preferences against genetically engineered foods. Introducing GE crops or animals and allowing the entry of GMO produce into NZ could lead to rejecting New Zealand products in these markets and damaging the country’s export-driven economy.

 Brand reputation

New Zealand’s agricultural products are often marketed as clean, green, and natural.  The introduction of GE and opening the borders to GMO could undermine this image, harming the “100% Pure New Zealand” brand and reducing the premium prices New Zealand products currently command on the global market.

Research overseas has clearly shown that GE doesn’t create modified products that outperform non-GE alternatives, and production based on GE and GMO products is more reliant on inputs that damage ecological health and compromise for health and nutritional density.

Risk to organic and conventional farming

Cross-contamination

Genetic engineering could lead to the unintended cross-contamination of non-GE crops, especially organic farms. If found to be contaminated with genetically modified organisms (GMOs), these farms would lose their organic certification. This could reduce the diversity of farming practices and limit consumer choice.

Market segmentation

This could lead to market segmentation, where non-GE and organic farmers are forced to implement costly measures to prevent contamination, such as buffer zones or testing. This would increase their production costs and potentially put these businesses at financial risk.

Impact on biodiversity and ecosystems

Environmental concerns

The long-term ecological impacts of GE crops are not fully understood. There is a risk that genetically modified organisms could disrupt local ecosystems, reduce biodiversity, or lead to the development of superweeds or pests resistant to conventional control methods, as has been evidenced overseas. This could have a cascading effect on New Zealand’s natural environment, a critical component of its tourism and agricultural industries.

 Sustainability issues

New Zealand’s agricultural practices have traditionally emphasised sustainability and environmental guardianship (kaitiakitanga). Introducing GE further pushes the industry towards more intensive, extractive industrialised systems and practices that compromise soil health, water quality, and the broader ecosystem.

Public health and ethical concerns

Consumer health

Ongoing debates exist about the long-term health effects of consuming genetically engineered foods. Even if the scientific consensus deems GE foods safe, public scepticism remains high, which could affect consumer confidence in New Zealand’s food products.

There is strong scientific evidence that our current diet has significantly less nutrient content and higher levels of toxins, which have serious health implications. GE and GMOs will exacerbate this situation.

Ethical considerations

Genetic engineering raises ethical questions about human intervention in natural processes. Many consumers and producers value traditional farming methods, as demonstrated by the rise in the interest in regenerative farming based on indigenous methods and are likely to view GE as an unnecessary and risky departure from these practices, further alienating them from New Zealand’s agricultural products.

Potential loss of agricultural sovereignty

Corporate control

The adoption of GE crops and the inclusion and growth of GMOs tie farmers to multinational corporations that control the patents and supply of genetically modified seeds, ingredients, and produce. This potentially leads to a loss of agricultural sovereignty as New Zealand farmers become more dependent on these corporations, limiting their autonomy and ability to innovate independently.

Say NO to GE and GMOs in New Zealand agriculture

New Zealand is uniquely placed to differentiate produce supplied from land that is demonstrably improving ecological health. We are one of only two countries in the world currently prohibiting GE and GMOs: what a great opportunity.

The constant belief that man can create something that can outperform nature and the natural environment without unintended consequences isn’t supported evidentially.   

The adoption of genetic engineering and the approval to import GMOs into New Zealand agriculture puts significant risk to the country’s major revenue source, agricultural exports, brand reputation, and commitment to sustainable, healthy food production. Therefore, we have much to lose if we embrace GE and GMOs in agriculture and don’t challenge the proposed changes to the current bill.

Given the potential for cross-contamination, environmental impact, and consumer backlash, New Zealand should not approve the proposed changes to the current bill. Greater support and investment for regenerative, organic and non-GE farming strengthens New Zealand’s position as a global leader in clean, natural food production while preserving our economy, environment and farming heritage.

It has been noted that the primary reason that no GM crops are currently grown in NZ is consumer resistance to GM foods. This shows that every voice matters.

It’s time to say NO to GE and GMOs in New Zealand Agriculture.

Have your say and support the opposition to NZ opening up to GE and GMOs by submitting to Food Standards Australia New Zealand at submissions@foodstandards.gov.au or find out more here.