BULLETIN ISSUE 23: Autumn 2019
GENE EDITING: IS IT RIGHT FOR NEW ZEALAND? In the first article on this topic (Issue 22: Summer 2018), we tried to give a brief overview of genetics (which isn’t easy in two paragraphs!) to set the scene for the rest of the series. We asked the question of whether New Zealand should allow gene editing technology outside of a laboratory setting. Currently, New Zealand has not ruled on whether gene editing is a form of genetic medication; something other countries have done. The issue tends to divide rooms down the middle, with equally passionate views on both sides, so there is a need within our agribusiness industries for an objective debate. The decision must be reached cautiously as there are far-reaching consequences. The Royal Society recently released a discussion paper on gene editing in the primary industries with several case studies on how the technology could be used in New Zealand. The report paints a promising picture of how this technology could prevent wilding pines, protect native species and even make the ubiquitous ryegrass resistant to pests. However, the paper is silent on the sequelae to allowing gene editing … for instance, would its use close the door to any of our current global markets for our primary products? Also of importance, and not covered
in the discussion paper, is how customers and consumers will respond. In the USA, the non-GMO Project is the fastest growing eco-label and is currently certifying more than US$26 billion worth of non-genetically modified products for sale in the US. The non-GMO Project has indicated that gene edited products will not be able to carry the non-GMO Project brand. The September 2018 issue of Country Living, a popular British lifestyle magazine, featured an article entitled GM Crops: is it finally time to accept them? While the article allowed for views on both sides of the argument, the magazine itself declared that their opposition to GM still stands. In their words, “Twenty years on, there is no convincing evidence of large-sacle benefits in the countries that have embraced GM, and our opposition stands.” The UK has traditionally been a strong market for New Zealand lamb, and the readers of Country Living represent an affluent demographic. Our series on GM and GE concludes in the next issue.
THE IMPORTANCE OF WITHHOLDING PERIODS Antibiotics or other veterinary medicines found in meat overseas can have a devastating effect on our industry. Our major trading partners randomly test shipments of meat from New Zealand for a large list of chemicals, pesticides, hormones and medications. A positive test could potentially mean loss of access to a market for ALL meat companies … not just the one that shipped the implicated product. Care is needed with record keeping for administering antibiotics and other animal remedies to
www.greenlea.co.nz
ensure the withholding period for meat is met. The meat and milk withholding periods are usually different … so it pays to check! And then double check! If you do realise that you have made a mistake, and sent the wrong animal i.e. a treated animal, please contact us immediately. We are happy to help, and the longer the period between slaughter and notification the more difficult the exercise to recall potentially compromised product.