Toad-gene fears win GM debate

By SIMON COLLINS in Dunedin

Fears about a toad gene genetically modified to kill potato virus vied with a more prosaic argument for a "case-by-case approach" in the first public debate of the election campaign last night.

Greens co-leader Jeanette Fitzsimons told more than 500 people crammed into the Dunedin Civic Centre that an African toad virus that might kill soft rot in potatoes was too dangerous to risk using.

Science Minister Pete Hodgson argued that the risks should be assessed "case by case", rather than taking an "absolutist" line against any release of genetically modified organisms.

Thunderous applause for Ms Fitzsimons left no doubt that the minister had failed to sway most of the audience.

Fionna Ogilvy, a retired medical laboratory worker, said that after hearing Mr Hodgson, she felt "a bit more confident" that strict conditions would be imposed on any GM release. But she wants the moratorium on commercial GM releases kept until that is certain.

Garden centre assistant Gaynor Dippie and retired teacher Helen Tidmarsh were relieved to hear both politicians say they would be willing to negotiate on the issue after the election.

"I think there has to be compromise," Gaynor Dippie said.

But neither MP gave any indication of where a compromise might be found over the Greens' decision to withdraw support for any government that does not extend the moratorium for three more years when it ends in October next year.

Ms Fitzsimons said the risk of allowing GM organisms outside the laboratory was unacceptable because the technology involved in something like inserting a toad gene in a potato was too uncertain.

"The scientists can't control how many copies of the gene go in, where they lodge or how they affect other genes," she said.

"The new potato may differ from other potatoes in many aspects apart from the expected anti-soft-rot effect. It could produce new allergens or new toxins.

"There is no way of testing for other health effects from disturbances to the functioning of other genes because you can only test the effect if you know what to look for."

Ms Fitzsimons said New Zealand should specialise in researching techniques for sustainable organic farming, which it could then sell to the world.

Mr Hodgson urged a sense of perspective. For years, the country had taken risks by introducing new species to control pests such as possums and wasps.

He questioned why these risks suddenly became "unacceptable" when genetic modification was involved.

"We must examine each of these things on a case-by-case basis and take informed, precautionary, case-by-case decisions," he said.

"Don't try to draw a line in the sand. Nature will make a mockery of you."

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