Fitzsimons considers the Erma decision is a classic case of ”sending good money after bad”. ”The main stupidity is it is putting a heap of research and talent down a blind alley.” However, scientists engaged in the work say it is necessary for New Zealand to keep up with GE research, in case modified crops are shown to have definite advantages. Says Crop and Food’s Williams: ”The GE technology we use is a very important research tool worldwide. If New Zealand doesn’t (pursue this), we’ll fall behind. It (GE) gives us options for the future. We don’t know where the research is leading us. It’s important to take the science forward.