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About
genetic modification
Genetic modification is a technology developed in the past 30 years for altering the characteristics of living organisms, such as plants and animals, in order to make them capable of making new substances or performing new or different functions. Genetic modification is sometimes called GM, genetic engineering or GE.
Like all organisms new to New Zealand, genetically modified organisms could have positive or negative effects on the environment, the economy and our society.
There are many different views on genetic modification. Some say the potential benefits are so important that we cannot ignore them. Others say that we should wait until we know more about the technology before allowing releases. Many people consider the potential risks to be too great to allow release, but will support laboratory research. Others say that all genetic modification goes too far in “tampering with nature” and should be completely stopped.
People also have different views about the benefits genetic modification might bring and the risks it could pose.
Some of the potential benefits are easy to recognise and understand. Genetic modification in containment has been used in New Zealand for more than 20 years to better understand how living things work and to produce certain medicines. Some food processing aids such as rennet for cheeses are also produced using GM technology. In these ways it is already providing benefits.
Potential benefits in the future might include treatments for diseases, crops that are resistant to pests and diseases and require fewer agricultural chemicals, food that has greater nutritional value, the production of pharmaceuticals from plants and better ways to control pests such as possums.
For more information see how GM is being used in New Zealand research.
Did you know?
New Zealand has a strict system for controlling
genetic modification and managing potential risks.
On the other hand, there are uncertainties and potential risks associated with modifying living organisms in this way. For example, if released these organisms could become pests or could threaten native species. Some farmers are concerned that their sales and markets could be damaged if genetically modified plants contaminate their crops.
For information on the coexistence of GM and non-GM farming, see coexistence of GM. You can also find out more about research going on in New Zealand into the impacts of genetic modification.
For further information about the uses of GM overseas, see GM - the global story.
Many New Zealanders are uncertain about genetically modified food.
