THE SPREAD OF GE DNA IN THE ENVIRONMENT
DNA or gene sequences from genetically engineered (GE) microbes and plants can migrate through the environment. They travel on pollen, in food, water, and soil, invading non-GMO or natural plants and altering or hi-jacking their genes. This transfer of DNA can cause serious consequences, including:
Reduced crop yields
Nutritional deficiencies
Shifts in gut microbes
Greater vulnerability to diseases and insects
Fertility issues, abortions, cancers, and animal organ damage
Current protections under New Zealand regulations
For now, New Zealand requires safety evaluations and registration of the exact gene sequence - or genetic 'footprint' - of any GE organism before its release. This ensures accountability.
Most GMO organisms are patented, allowing owners to collect royalties and track usage.
Registration also provides a way for farmers to seek damages if patented GE organisms harm their crops or business.
Proposed changes to regulations: a risky move
The proposed new regulations would remove the requirement to register gene sequences. Without registration:
Farmers couldn’t trace or prove who caused GE contamination.
There would be no accountability or compensation for losses caused by GE organisms.
Harmful GE modifications could spread undetected, such as microbes sprayed as insecticides altering neighboring soils and reducing crop quality.
The threat to farming livelihoods
New Zealand’s international reputation as a producer of pure, natural, GE-free food is a valuable economic advantage.
That's our natural Advanta... without the GE contamination.
Most farmers need to certify their crops or livestock as GE-free to maintain premium pricing or even secure shelf space overseas.
And, what happens if GE organisms contaminate non-GE farms? For example:
A neighbour introduces GE ryegrass. Over several seasons, pollen from their paddocks crosses with your pastures.
Your lambs can now no longer be certified as GE-free because your paddocks are contaminated.
Your business is negatively impacted - the loss of certification means losing your premium and your competitive edge.
Protecting New Zealand’s premium advantage
New Zealand’s farming profits and economic well-being rely on how international customers perceive us: as grass-fed, natural, and GMO-free. Unregulated GE introductions put this reputation - and the premiums it brings - at risk.
Why registration matters
Registration of all introduced gene sequences is critical to:
Ensuring accountability for damages
Protecting non-GE farmers
Safeguarding New Zealand’s economy and reputation as a top-tier food producer
By maintaining strict regulations and requiring registration, we can preserve fairness, protect livelihoods, and ensure the integrity of our agricultural systems.
Who should bear the costs?
If some farmers choose to adopt GE crops or organisms, shouldn’t they and the biotech industry bear the costs of any damages? Those who wish to maintain a GE-free status shouldn’t suffer losses due to the actions of others.
Additional resources
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Protect NZ's natural advantage
Genetic contamination threatens our livelihoods, economy, and reputation. It’s time to take a stand. Whether you’re a farmer, consumer, or advocate for a GE-free New Zealand, your involvement makes a difference.
Get involved today
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Together, we can protect our farms, our economy, and the health of future generations.
