GM spuds at top of queue

A state-owned science institute is preparing to plant genetically modified onions and potatoes when the ban on field trials is lifted.

Crop and Food Research's plans are referred to in newly released Cabinet papers looking at the impact GM crops, vaccines and medicines will have on New Zealand's environment and economy.

The papers have been put together by 11 Government ministries and the independent GM watchdog the Environmental Risk Management Authority.

A study on the potential impact of GM on the economy also released found that GM crops, animals and other organisms could slash the earnings of NZ farmers by 43 per cent.