Scientist resigns over GM rules breach

By SIMON COLLINS science reporter

A man described as "a brilliant scientist" has quit his job after breaching strict containment rules imposed to stop the spread of genetically modified organisms.

Dr Richard Forster, who was chief scientist of the plant division at Genesis Research and Development, was suspended last month after he took willow plants from a containment facility in Parnell to his property at Patumahoe, near Pukekohe.

He chose to resign even though the willow plants had not been genetically modified.

The company's head of corporate services, Stephen Hall, said the plants' absence was discovered in regular checks the day after they were taken. They were recovered that same day from Dr Forster's property and destroyed.

He said Dr Forster did not take them for personal benefit.

"It was a misunderstanding in that he hadn't realised it had been in the containment facility and just didn't think through the issue properly. He was only doing it for the company's benefit really," Mr Hall said.

"I can't explain exactly why he did it. It was probably late. He saw them, thought they would probably grow better outdoors, 'Why don't I take some home and grow them?'

"He took them to his personal property. They were in sealed plastic bags - a standard containment mechanism. Those bags were not opened so there was no risk at all of anything escaping."

Dr Forster joined Genesis in early 2000 after a long career with HortResearch, where he founded the genetic research programme and published numerous papers in international journals.

A former colleague described him as "an extremely good and brilliant scientist".

"He's been very influential in the development of scientific projects in the country. This is quite a shock."

Another former colleague said he was "a well-renowned and respected scientist" who made his name in research on the white clover mosaic virus.

At Genesis, he led research which included developing a biological control of the botrytis fungus, finding natural agrichemicals and modifying trees to grow faster and to be more suitable for making paper. The willow plants were in the Parnell facility as part of the tree research project.

Dr Forster said he accepted the rules.

"Genesis is a company involved in genetic engineering, and if that is to have commercial opportunities in the future, it has to follow exactly what the law is," he said. "They are good laws that are in place in New Zealand. I do support them, I absolutely support them."

He said he had no idea what he would do now.

"I have worked for a company that took all my energies. I loved working for Genesis, they were an exciting company, they have a really big future."

The chief executive of the Environmental Risk Management Authority, Dr Bas Walker, said the breach was being investigated by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry.

Mr Hall said Genesis called a meeting of all its 150 staff as soon as the security breach was discovered "to remind them of the requirements we have to comply with".

The laboratory containing the willow plants had sealed doors, with entry restricted to specified people wearing protective clothing and with strict controls on things going in and out.

Mr Hall said it was the only time in the company's 10-year history that the rules had been broken.