An easy economic boost is within Hawke’s Bay’s grasp by making official its current genetically engineered free food status, says grower John Bostock of Pure Hawke’s Bay. The group of growers commissioned a Colmar Brunton poll that shows councils have a clear mandate for the move - 84 per cent of Hawke’s Bay residents want the region to remain GE free. “This is about putting Hawke’s Bay on the map as one of the world’s premium food producing regions,” Mr Bostock said. “If you want to position as a premium producer, you don’t go anywhere near GE.