Genetically modified trees cut down near Rotorua

fabulous.. about bloody time too. Keep it natural.

What is it with biotech's belief that modifying genomes is worth the effort. The nievty astound me, does the biotechnology industry actually believe they can improve on three billion years of natural selection without creating unforeseen consequences.

GM should be treated with "guilty until proven innocent". Never the other way round.

now that is what I call activism at its best. most certainly keep up the good work. most "decent new zealanders" know what a crock GMO is, and that thier gutterment is run by biopharmaoilcartels.

If those trees are open air planted their pollen is already in the wind and spreading to other trees and animals in the area.

Genetic pollution is forever.

http://indymedia.org.nz/usermedia/image/10/large/miffyrotorua.jpg

Our farming family, while pleased to hear of the destruction of the risky GE pine trees at Rotorua (this particular field trial has had ongoing issues regarding inadequate containment), hopes that those involved were very careful to ensure that no transgenic material was spread from the site.

Considering both Forest Research's and ERMA's disregard for the legitimate concerns of those opposing this risky experiment (including highly qualified NZ scientists and foresters) the civil disobedience was not surprising. There is huge opposition to these risky GE trees being in the open environment.

We note that the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) prohibits the use of genetically modified trees, due to the serious risks they present to the environment and our forestry industry.

Part of that threat comes from the dangers of transgenic pollution from GE pine pollen, or horizontal gene transfer which could have unintended adverse impacts on the environment (including harm to NZ soils). Another risk is lowered productivity from toppling and snapping of pines that already are prone to that problem. GE pines could also cost a neighboring forester or property owner their hard won Forestry Stewardship Council (FSC) certification. A prestigious global certification body, the FSC only endorses truly sustainable forestry practices, and its position on GE is very clear- “we do not allow genetic engineering of trees.”

The FSC has identified a number of other legitimate scientific concerns about the safety and appropriateness of planting genetically engineered trees including asexual transfer of genes from GMO’s with antibiotic resistance to pathogenetic micro-organisms, increased resistance of target insect pests, reduced adaptability to environmental stresses, increased weediness or invasiveness in GMO trees with new features, and the spread of herbicide resistance genes. These hazards, and the uncertainties about them, are the reason for the prohibition of the use of GMO's in certified forests, stated in the FSC Principles and Criteria.

Ecologists are also horrified at the prospect of a monoculture of GE trees. George McGavin, curator of Entomology at Oxford University Museum, said: “If you replace vast tracts of natural forest with flowerless trees there will be a serious effect on the richness and abundance of insects and birds. We are talking about vast tracts of land covered with plants that do not support animal life as a sterile means of culturing wood tissue. That is a pretty unattractive vision of the future and one I want no part of.”

Even a brief look at the widespread problems caused by GM crops and trees overseas will soon convince that NZ is better off without these risky, unstable GM organisms. They are certainly not welcome here in Northland, where local authorities are taking steps to ensure that GMO land use is kept out of the region in order to protect our economy, environment and the public health.

YEEEEHAAAAAAAAAA~!!!! FUCKIN A!!!!

Yeah, GE Pines are just what this country needs...not.

As an earlier commentary noted:

"...we are not developing quickly enough let along for the current changes in our environment."

exactly... or... whatever...hmmmmm...