AgResearch has submitted a limited application to ERMA for specific research using genetically modified goats, sheep and cattle in containment. This is necessary so that AgResearch can meet contractual requirements. In 2008 AgResearch applied to ERMA for four new approvals to continue the transgenic livestock programme for a number of species and a range of activities, from pure scientific research, to maintaining transgenic animals in containment

A plan to grow paddocks of genetically modified grass created to cut the greenhouse gases produced by cows is in the pipeline at Crown-owned company AgResearch. The proposal has already provoked criticism from anti-GM groups, who say outdoor trials could jeopardise New Zealand’s reputation as a GM-free dairy exporter.

Precious science dollars should not be wasted on genetic modification (GM) research, Green Party MP Jeanette Fitzsimons says. The Government is hardening its approach to Crown research institutes (CRIs) and their requirement to make a profit and pay a dividend. The eight CRIs have been told not to assume that not returning a dividend to the Crown, as they have been able to do in recent years, will be tolerated.

A telephone survey is set to gauge public opinion on genetically modified organisms. The survey will be asking whether ratepayers are satisfied with current national regulation by central government agencies, Environmental Risk Management Authority and the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries – under the Hazardous Substances and New Organisms Act 1996. Or whether people would like local councils to regulate genetically modified organisms in some way.

AgResearch will appeal the High Court decision that said AgResearch’s applications to conduct transgenic animal research were too general. The High Court decision said the lack of specifics in AgResearch’s four applications was the reason the Environmental Risk Management Authority (ERMA) should not have received the applications to carry out genetic modification of a range of species in containment facilities in New Zealand.

Market research firm Colmar Brunton will survey Aucklanders and Northlanders next month on behalf of an inter-council working party that has been evaluating risks associated with GMO land uses. Working party chairman Dr Kerry Grundy says the telephone poll will ask people if they are happy with the regulation of GMOs under the Hazardous Substances and New Organisms Act or if they would like councils to control these under the Resource Management Act.

A High Court decision to stop AgResearch's bid to expand research into genetically modified animals has been described as the biggest victory in a decade against genetic engineering field trials by Marlborough green campaigner Steffan Browning.

A High Court decision to block applications to import and develop genetically engineered material has been hailed as a landmark by GE-Free New Zealand. The High Court at Wellington ruled that the Environmental Risk Management Authority (Erma) should not have accepted applications for determination under the Hazardous Substances and New Organisms Act 1996. It ruled that it should stop hearing and assessing any further applications.

Inghams advertisements are misleading the public by claiming that their chicken products have no genetically modified ingredients, according to the Soil & Health Association of NZ. ”Inghams are taking huge advantage of consumer resistance to GE foods by making GM free claims in television and print advertising, yet hidden well away on their website in their GM Policy(1), they argue for their use of GE soy in chicken feed,” said Soil & Health spokesperson Steffan Browning.

The High Court case taken by GE Free NZ in food and environment against the Environmental Risk Management Authority (ERMA) and AgResearch a Crown Research Institute (CRI) is being heard on Monday 9th March, 2009. GE Free NZ took the action after AgResearch made a series of four applications that seek to develop, import and commercialise genetically modified animals from nine species of animals (alpacas, buffalo, cows, deer, goats, horses and donkeys, sheep, pigs). The generic applications seek approval at any location and for an indefinite period to allow commercial production of biopharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals and diseased animals for research.