To the Members of the Health Select Committee,
I am writing to express my strong objection to the Gene Technology Bill, which I believe poses significant risks to our environment, health, and economy. The bill’s proposed deregulation of gene-editing techniques deemed “low-risk” is alarming, as it may lead to unmonitored genetic modifications in our food system.
The lack of evidence to prove the safety of gene technology is concerning. While proponents argue that gene technology can deliver benefits in medicine, agriculture, and environmental management, the long-term effects on human health and the environment are not yet fully understood.
History has shown us that even seemingly safe and effective technologies and products can later be proven extremely harmful. For example:
- Asbestos was once considered safe and was widely used in construction, but it is now known to cause deadly lung diseases.
- Thalidomide was marketed as a safe and effective treatment for morning sickness, but it caused severe birth defects.
- DDT was hailed as a miracle pesticide, but it was later banned due to its link to cancer and environmental damage.
- Glyphosate, a widely used herbicide, was initially deemed safe but has since been linked to cancer and other health problems.
- And many more.
These examples demonstrate that even with extensive testing and regulatory approval, harmful effects can still emerge years or even decades later.
Internationally, several countries have banned or restricted the use of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) due to concerns over safety and environmental impact. For example, France, Germany, and Italy have banned the cultivation of GMO crops, while Russia has banned the import and production of GMO foods.
New Zealand’s reputation as a GMO-free nation has been a key selling point for our agricultural exports. The introduction of gene technology could jeopardize this reputation and result in significant economic losses. The New Zealand Institute of Economic Research estimates that the environmental release of GMOs could cost our primary sector between $10 billion and $20 billion annually in lost exports.
Furthermore, I am concerned that vested interests are driving the push for gene technology. The benefits of gene technology seem to accrue mainly to corporations, while the risks are borne by the public and the environment.
In light of these concerns, I urge the committee to reject the Gene Technology Bill. If the government is unable to personally guarantee that the bill will not lead to harm to the people of New Zealand, they should abandon plans to introduce this legislation.
Thank you for the opportunity to file my objection.
Sincerely,
Kelvyn Alp
Party Leader
New Zealand Loyal
[email protected]
Executive Producer
Pariah Media
[email protected]
Editor-in-Chief
New Zealand Industry Insight
nzindustryinsight.co.nz
