Archive for category: Organic Community

Spencer on Byron

GMOs pose $59 billion threat to NZ economy

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Inevitable cross contamination by GE crops, if released in NZ, pose a 59 billion dollar threat to the NZ economy and ratepayers whose councils have failed to protect them against risk,” says Debbie Swanwick, Soil & Health – Organic NZ.

That is the total dollar value of our agricultural, forestry, fisheries and tourism sectors, agriculture being worth thirty billion dollars, forestry, five billion, fisheries, four billion and tourism twenty billion. (8) (9)

“Auckland Council is one council who has failed to protect ratepayers , despite an InterCouncil working party (ICWP) recommendation that suggests they adopt a plan change to include a precautionary approach to GMO release in their Unitary plan. (1) In contrast Whangarei District Council adopted the ICWP recommendations,” says Swanwick. (2)

The ICWP is made of up of Auckland Council, Far North, Kaipara, Whangarei District Councils and Northland Regional Council (who did not participate in this project). (4)

Based on eight years of public engagement, a section 32 analysis and legal opinion, the ICWP identified a total lack of liability provisions under current legislation. (4)

“Under Whangarei’s plan change, GE applicants who would easily clear the hurdle of the EPA in Wellington will have to prove financial fitness, post a substantial bond and be personally and financially liable for”unintended or unforseen” adverse impacts of EPA approved GE experiments,” says Swanwick.

“Auckland ratepayers will pay the ultimate price on behalf of councillors who have made this decision based on an issue (GMO’s) rather than a process. It is their remit that they protect ratepayers from risk regardless of the issue. That kind of decision making is not impartial or considered but leaky buildings all over again,” says Swanwick.

A 2010 Price Waterhouse report estimated between 42,000 and 89,000 homes in NZ would be categorized as ‘leaky homes’ costing between 11.2 and 22 billion to repair. (6) Roger Levie of the Home Owners and Buyers Association says they expect these figures are light and forecast that as many as 150,000 homes will be affected, costing over $35 billion.  “That equates to around $8,300 coming out of the pocket of each New Zealander because Government and Councils failed to protect them against this risk,” he says. (5)

A case currently pending in the Western Australia Supreme Court  involves an organic farmer, Steve Marsh, who lost his organic certification in 2010  when 70% of his farm was cross contaminated with his neighbors GE canola. Marsh’s legal fees are expected to cost $250,000 and he is requesting compensation for his economic loss in perpetuity. The case is expected to be decided in the next few months and could set a precedent in NZ law(3)

“As Monsanto are funding the GE farmer in this case (it is probable big Agri-tech will always fund these defences), and with the recent legislative change in the US dubbed the “Monsanto Protection Act’, in future councils and governments will be the only organizations that can be sued. (11) This behavior has already begun in Europe,” says Swanwick. (7)

In 2011 the legal organisation Justice & Environment sued the EU Commission over the release of the Amflora GM potato. (10)

In March President Obama signed H.R. 933, a continuing resolution spending bill that gives immunity to biotech coporations such as Monsanto, from litigation should their GE crops every be proved unsafe. (12) Senator Roy Blunt drafted the rider, the pro-Monsanto “Farmer Assurance Provision, Section 735” of the bill, in consultation with Monsanto. (14)

Says Zelka Grammar of GE Free Northland “We salute the strong leadership that Whangarei District councillors have shown in their decision. It’s unfair for those who want to experiment with GMOs to expect others to “carry the can” for the harm caused to other farmers, the environment or the public health.”
Soil & Health is one of the oldest organic organisations in the world and advocates for the consumer’s right to have fresh, healthy, organic food and water free of GE, pesticides and additives and their right to know what is in their food and water. Oranga nuku, oranga kai oranga tangata. To learn more about what is really in your food and/or find guidelines on making a submission opposing Auckland Councils decision to not protect the region against GMO release visit our Facebook page and subscribe http://www.facebook.com/OrganicNZ

Submissions close on 31 May 2013.

Photo caption: A Supreme Court ruling in October 2012 opened the way for commercial property owners to sue councils for leaky building syndrome.

The judgment was delivered in the Supreme Court in Wellington, holding the Court of Appeal shouldn’t have struck out a claim by the owners of the building Spencer on Byron in Takapuna, that the-then North Shore District Council only had a duty of care to residential buildings. The body corporate claimed the city had been negligent and was liable for the cost of repairs.
Chief Justice Sian Elias and Justices Andrew Tipping, John McGrath and Robert Chambers found in favour of the body corporate. (13)
To view online click here www.organicnz.org.nz/node/647

References

(1) http://www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/EN/planspoliciesprojects/plansstrateg…

(2) http://www.stuff.co.nz/auckland/local-news/northland/bay-chronicle/84488…

(3) http://www.abc.net.au/rural/news/content/201107/s3279923.htm

(4) http://www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/EN/newseventsculture/OurAuckland/medi…

(5) http://www.stats.govt.nz/tools_and_services/tools/population_clock.aspx

(6) http://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/news/article.cfm?c_id=3&objectid=1084…

(7) http://eatdrinkbetter.com/2011/02/03/monsanto-vs-australian-organic-farm…

(8) http://www.fish.govt.nz/en-nz/Fisheries+at+a+glance/default.htm

(9) http://www.mpi.govt.nz

(10) http://gmwatch.eu/latest-listing/1-news-items/12854-eu-commission-sued-x…

(11) http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/blog/2013/apr/04/monsanto-protecti…

(12) http://rt.com/usa/monsanto-bill-blunt-agriculture-006/

(13) http://www.nbr.co.nz/article/auckland-council-delays-bond-offer-after-co…

(14) http://www.workers.org/2013/04/07/monsanto-protection-act-chemical-monop…

Spencer on Byron

Soil and Health Association applauds new organic research report

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New Zealand’s oldest  organic organisation, and publishers of Organic NZ , the Soil & Health Association – Organic NZ, is delighted with the growth in the number of organic producers and consumers over the past three years.

“The results in the latest organic market research report* show that organics is definitely moving from the fringe into the mainstream,” says Debbie Swanwick, Spokesperson, Soil & Health – Organic NZ.

Soil &Health – Organic NZ has sponsored a new section in this year’s report,which covers the organic community sector. “Our National Council was delighted to be able to offer their support to such worthy research” said Ms Swanwick.

Garden writer Christine Dann has contributed research results on the remarkable rise in organic community gardening in the past five years. Especially remarkable is the fact that community garden numbers have quadrupled in Christchurch over the past decade.

“For these communities to be self reliant has been especially valuable following the earthquakes. Christchurch has set an example to the rest of New Zealand as to why food security is so important with changing environmental conditions and contaminants in mainstream supply” says Swanwick.

The National Council of Soil & Health – Organic NZ will all be attending the launch of the  New Zealand Organic Market Report 2012 in Wellington on March 6.

The report is a major milestone which gives the organic sector and the general public a clear and positive message about the growth of organics in New Zealand which is line with the global trend.

“We are  heartened by the growth in the community, marae, school, early childhood and home gardening sector which reflects the growing awareness of the importance of safe, healthy and nutritious food from local sources” said co-chair Marion Thomson.

Soil & Health is one of the oldest organic organisations in the world and advocates for the consumer’s right to have fresh, healthy, organic food free of GE, pesticides and additives and their right to know what is in their food. Oranga nuku, oranga kai oranga tangata. Free information on what’s really in your food is available on their Organic NZ magazine facebook page.

New Zealand Organic Market Report 2012
To be launched in the Grand Hall, Parliament House
on Wednesday 6 March, 9-10.30am

TPPA will remove consumer rights

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The Trans Pacific Partnership agreement is the biggest threat to consumer rights New Zealand has ever seen” says Debbie Swanwick, Spokesperson, Soil & Health – Organic NZ.
Her comments come following the closure of the 15th round of TPPA negotiations at Sky City, Auckland recently.
Over a hundred and fifty protestors gathered at Sky City during the negotiations, to present a petition signed by 750,000 world citizens against the TPPA which organisers refused to accept. One of the implications of the TPPA, with regard to food, is that consumers will be denied the right to know what is in their food.  “Current labelling laws will be revoked for fear of prosecution by investor interests should a label, for example identifying ingredients as genetically engineered, negatively impact their profits” says Swanwick.
Protests throughout the country have demonstrated the level of public discontent on the issue which has also attracted comment from public representatives, in agreement, in local council.
“We recently elected a new Auckland Council that wants to build resilient communities across the region, support local business and retain our public assets. I believe a TPPA would pose a barrier to those three laudable roles and give foreign investors too much power in New Zealand’ said Auckland Councillor Cathy Casey of the TPPA.
A poll conducted by Consumer Link in mid November expressed public concern around the lack of transparency around the TPPA. Sixty five percent of New Zealanders think the Government should make the contents of the agreement public before the negotiations are completed.
“The lack of public consultation and a lack of response despite repeated calls for the release of draft documents is undemocratic and does not deliver on a governance mandate to serve the interests of the public.  A leaked draft of the legislation affords powers to investors over consumers.  As it currently stands, precursor legislation currently affords investors 88% of all claims against governments, which is paid by the taxpayer. Placing profits before people has never been acceptable behaviour” says Swanwick.
Soil & Health is one of the oldest organic organisations in the world and promote fresh, healthy, organic food – GE, pesticide and additive free and advocate for consumers rights. Oranga Nuku, Oranga Kai Oranga Tangata.

Organic sector receives funding to rebuild Garden City

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Bailey Peryman from Soil & Health – Organic NZ (Canterbury), is one of eleven recipients of the 2103 Vodafone world of Difference Programme.
This award, which focuses on youth development and an earthquake recovery need, funds his salary and expenses for a year. Peryman will coordinate the setup of Hand Over a Hundy in Christchurch East and develop a new social enterprise, Garden City 2.0

Hand Over a Handy is a pay it forward initiative to encourage families and communities to establish edible gardens at home.  Young families and unemployed youth are given $100 worth of growing material and a mentor for a year. The challenge is for them to recoup the $100 through sales of produce or savings on their food bill to pass on to another family the year following.

Garden City 2.0 will bring new life to the Garden City by developing and investing in community food initiatives.

“We will also be looking to partner with experts in the food and agricultural industry to develop a wider framework for young people to find work, start a food initiative of their own and create a livelihood for themselves and their families. We see this being the foundation for a local food industry that is waiting to be borne in Christchurch” says Peryman.

“Mother Nature devasted NZ’s Garden city.  Vodafone’s support of this project literally will be planting the seeds to help her give back to Christchurch that which was taken” says Debbie Swanwick, Spokesperson, Soil & Health – Organic NZ.

Vodafone New Zealand Foundation Chair Antony Welton says the World of Difference is dedicated to improving the health and wellbeing of young New Zealanders.

Started in 2002,  the Foundation has now invested over $15 million and supported 69 New Zealanders, with flow on effects to hundreds of young people across the country.

Soil & Health is one of the oldest organic organisations in the world and promote fresh, healthy, organic food – GE, pesticide and additive free. Oranga Nuku, Oranga Kai Oranga Tangata.

Fonterra shareholders livelihoods’ threatened

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Fonterra’s shareholders are being directly threatened by the admission that the use of GE ingredients is increasing in supplementary feed for dairy cattle.
“Currently only milk, supplied to Fonterra, from organically certified properties can be guaranteed to be free from exposure to the GE supplements” says Glenn Mead, Chairman, Organic Dairy and Pastoral Group.

Fonterra trades on New Zealand cows being fed ”lush green grass, year round” to produce high quality milk, which is exported to more than 100 countries around the world.  The discovery of GE meal rising in the food chain questions this claim.
Cows being fed GE-based supplements has not raised concern for Fonterra who recently commented that it does not impact on the status of the milk, and doesn’t require a change to the labelling requirements under New Zealand, Australian and European Union regulations.

“This attitude is very disappointing, as Fonterra has failed to acknowledge in this statement the customer.  Worldwide there are strong consumer concerns over GE.  Shareholders will carry the fiscal loss should a consumer backlash result. Farmers with no income protection insurance are the most vulnerable” says Debbie Swanwick, Spokesperson, Soil & Health – Organic NZ.

“It is important that all shareholders are protected from risk to their livelihoods and we ask that Fonterra enforces an immediate ban on all GE animal foods in their producers milk chain.  To ensure this we ask that Government put in place a policy to require labelling of all animal feed advising farmers of its GE status” says Swanwick.
Listed units in the Fonterra Shareholders fund went on sale today and trading on the NZX is expected to start on November 30. Reports suggest farmers are lukewarm on the ‘Trading Among Farmers’, TAF, prospectus launch.
Imported GE animal meal is controlled by Cargill, a Monsanto-owned grain and production company. Monsanto is the largest owner and developer of genetically engineered foods.
“The discovery of GE animal meal in NZ stock feeds suggests Monsanto/Cargill is frustrated with New Zealand’s GE safety regulations and has decided to circumnavigate the strict regulations and contaminate the animal food chain, destroying New Zealand’s GE free status” says Debbie Swanwick, Spokesperson, Soil & Health – Organic NZ.
‘Choice’ was strongly pushed by the vice chair of Federated Farmers, Dr. Rolleston recently yet such actions by a maverick element of GE proponents compromises that.  “As representatives of one of the largest consumer groups in NZ – farmers, Federated Farmers have yet to call for transparency on this issue. We will do it on behalf of NZ farmers.  Control should not be  given to an overseas interest to decide on their behalf” says Swanwick.
Soil & Health is one of the oldest organic organisations in the world and promote GE free, organic, fresh and healthy food. Oranga Nuku, Oranga Kai Oranga Tangata.

Monsanto A Threat to NZ’s Homeland Security

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“Biotech companies are still trying to push their flawed and failed genetically engineered technology onto New Zealand farmers despite markets around the world not wanting to buy it” says Debbie Swanwick, Spokesperson for Soil & Health – Organic NZ.

The XII conference for International Biotechnology, being held at the Energy Events Centre in Rotorua from 2-6 September, signals a significant threat to New Zealand’s future. “One of the key issues these companies will be espousing at this event is genetic terrorism against our food supply, economy and natural assets” says Swanwick.

Monsanto’s VP Biotechnology, Prof Robert Reiter, is one of ten keynote speakers at the conference which also includes representatives from Du Pont and Swiss-based investment firm Festel Capital.

Monsanto has a worldwide reputation as the Darth Vader of agriculture. Despite industry propaganda from this sector, touting GE crops as safe and promising that cross contamination of organic and conventional crops will be prevented, experience overseas shows quite the opposite.

Some Australian farmers lured into the promise of a safe product returning high revenues, are finding their GE crops harder to sell even at lower prices than GE-free crops.

“The only profits from the Australian farmer experience went straight back to Monsanto. Cross-contamination of farms has pitched neighbour against neighbour and Monsanto is now dictating terms of how farmers grow their crops and run their farms – they are, so to speak, Monsanto farmers,” says Swanwick.

This month two Australian farmers, Julie Newman and Bob Mackley, toured New Zealand with Green MP Steffan Browning, to warn against GE and educate farmers and the public on the subject.

Monsanto has purported, in the past, the safety of Agent Orange, PCBs, and DDT. Now they are promoting GE food crops designed to be sprayed with 2,4 D, an ingredient of Agent Orange.

“This hui (meeting) is happening in one of the most beautiful regions of New Zealand that all kiwis consider a taonga (treasure), yet the introduction of GE crops would damage our clean green image and tourist industry. The General Manager of Scion recently suggested Rotorua could benefit from GE crops, but the only benefactor from GE crops are corporate bottom lines,” says Swanwick.

Scion is one of the conference sponsors and one of the two Crown research institutes still conducting GE trials (with GE pine trees).Millions of New Zealand taxpayer dollars have been sunk into GE trials, with absolutely no benefits. Soil & Health wants such funding to go into researching and developing truly sustainable organic farming and forestry systems.

“As a group we are not anti biotechnology – we are pro consumer and the commercial release of GE in New Zealand would destroy our choice to eat healthy, GE-free food and denigrate the mana whenua of our people. It could also compromise our exports and $20 billion tourism industry born of our clean, green image – which many people in Rotorua and Aotearoa rely on,” says Swanwick.

GE crops reduce biodiversity and their associated herbicides can harm birds, insects, amphibians, marine ecosystems and soil organisms.

Soil & Health – Organic NZ will be holding a public vigil at the XII International Biotechnology Conference from 12 noon on Saturday 1st September to 4pm Sunday 2nd September.To register your interest in attending this event please contact 09 419 4536 or email, advocacy@organicnz.org.nz.

New Spokesperson for Soil & Health Association – Organic NZ

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The Soil & Health Association – Organic NZ have announced the appointment of Debbie Swanwick as their new spokesperson.

The Association has been in operation for seventy years advocating  “Healthy Soil – Healthy Food – Healthy People” to create an organic New Zealand. It is the largest membership organisation supporting organic food and farming in New Zealand.

“Speaking out for Organics is a key role for our organisation, which is why our three thousand members so generously supported funding this position last year. We’re thrilled to have someone as gutsy and knowledgeable as Debbie to take on the task of advocating for an organic Aotearoa/New Zealand and to know that the organic movement is behind her 110 per cent,” says Soil & Health Association Co-Chair Dr Matt Morris. “Debbie will be taking the role to new levels, operating through social media as well as more regular media channels and of course through face to face contact.”

Swanwick has fifteen years experience working in not for profits in marketing, communications and advocacy for better social solutions.  Throughout this time she has been a strong supporter against environmental degradation.  In late 2003 she was very active against the lifting of the GE moratorium and most recently has fought tirelessly against a proposed industrial development that will compromise one of Auckland largest floodplains, in South Auckland.

“Over $572 million USD has been spent in campaign contributions and lobbying expenditure, since 1999, by the 50 largest agricultural and food patent-holding companies and two of the largest biotechnology and agrochemical trade associations.  It says something in itself that so much money is needed to push the argument for GE food.  I am privileged to be able to represent the voice of the masses in New Zealand, who don’t want GE food on their plate” says Swanwick.

Swanwick’s predecessor, Steffan Browning was spokesperson for Soil & Health – Organic NZ since 2003 and left to take up the position as Member of parliament for the Green Party in February of this year.

Organics Organisation Gets An MP For Its Seventieth

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The Soil & Health Association of New Zealand, which has just turned seventy, is hailing the election of Steffan Browning to Parliament as a great leap forward for New Zealand’s primary production sector.

Mr Browning, Soil & Health’s spokesperson, was elected to Parliament last weekend at number 10 on the Green Party’s list.

“We are delighted with Steffan’s victory,” said Soil & Health’s co-chair Dr Matt Morris. “This is a huge moment for organics in this country and one that we can justifiably be very proud of. It’s an amazing seventieth birthday present for our organisation.”

“Steffan has done a huge amount of work for the organics sector over the years, and now the organics sector is right behind him. Without Steffan’s tireless efforts, New Zealand may well have been littered with GE mad experiments gone wrong, a long time ago” Dr Morris said.

“Soil & Health wants to see Steffan on the Primary Production Select Committee, where he can have a real influence in shaping the organic future of our nation.”

“Steffan’s vast experience and campaigning in food issues such as aspartame, GE components, pesticides and toxic additives will fill a gap left by food safety champion Sue Kedgley, who has retired from Parliament.”

“We’re hoping he can bring about the change in land management practices and safe food our organisation was born for.”

The Soil & Health Association of New Zealand, founded seventy years ago in 1941, is the world’s oldest organic farming and gardening organisation and has 3000 members.

Green MP Sue Kedgley Applauded By Safe Food and Organic Community

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Green Party MP Sue Kedgley’s valedictory speech at 5-45pm today marks the coming retirement of this country’s most committed food safety focused Member of Parliament ever, according to the Soil & Health Association of NZ.

“Sue Kedgley has been the Member of Parliament who for 12 years has consistently pursued on behalf of New Zealand’s consumers, effective food labelling, a reduction in pesticide and food additives use, improved residues testing, removal of genetically engineered foods, and the MP who has achieved improvements to animal welfare codes, “ said Soil & Health – Organic NZ spokesperson Steffan Browning.

“A very effective campaigner who could both educate and draw on community support for issues, Sue Kedgley MP has worked closely in support of NGOs, affected industry and consumers, campaigning successfully for phase outs of sow crates, and controls on pesticides such as endosulfan and methyl bromide.”

“In a naïve or short-sighted Parliament, Sue Kedgley MP has strived to bring practical limits to the excesses of the New Zealand food safety bureaucracy, whose main focus is in facilitating trade rather than consumer choice or small producers viability.”

“Sue’s 37,000 signature petition on Country of Origin Labelling of food showed the overwhelming support for the issues that Sue stands for, and campaigns that will be continued.”

“Sue has been one of Parliament’s most avid organic sector supporters, someone who was always seen as an ally in an often indifferent environment. Sue is able to see the full environmental and social benefit of organic production and was never shy to promote those advantages.”

“Soil & Health – Organic NZ and many many consumers are pleased to know that Sue will still be working on the issues important to her following her retirement from Parliament, at the November 26 election.”

“Sue Kedgley MP has successfully promoted the values of Soil & Health, as expressed in our motto, Oranga nuku – oranga kai – oranga tāngata, Healthy soil – Healthy food – Healthy people.”

Soil & Health – Organic NZ will be represented at Sue’s valedictory speech today by our spokesperson, National Councillor, Patron and many members and Organic NZ readers.

CONTACT:

 

The Soil & Health Association of NZ – Organic NZ

Spokesperson

 

Steffan Browning

Declaration; Steffan Browning is also a Green Party candidate.

021 725655

campaign@organicnz.org

AgResearch misinformation corrected by independent scientists

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The Soil & Health Association was disturbed yesterday when meeting with MAF-Biosecurity NZ (MAF-BNZ) to find an official supporting the misinformation that AgResearch had stated in a Radio NZ Rural Report program. Soil & Health and GE Free NZ met with officials from MAF-BNZ to discuss the possible leakage of genetically engineered (GE)organisms from the AgResearch Ruakura GE animal facility.

AgResearch and MAF-BNZ  have suggested that micro-organisms in the AgResearch offal pits could not be subject to gene transfer from the genetically engineered cattle disposed there, and had stopped ensuring that studies used samples from within the soil surrounding the decomposing GE cattle, as expected by the Environmental Risk Management Authority (ERMA).

The Centre for Integrated Research in Biosafety (INBI) has issued a media statement correcting AgResearch’s factually incorrect statement.  (1)

A report by INBI evaluating horizontal gene transfer experiments at AgResearch’s facility had been published in the Journal of Organic Systems last week. (2)

“Soil & Health is concerned that independent studies designed to test for gene transfer are not being carried out at AgResearch’s Ruakura GE animal field trial facility. This allows for possible contamination of the wider environment and risks to human safety, and in the absence of appropriate gene transfer research, the AgResearch GE animal research must be discontinued,” said Soil & Health Association spokeperson Steffan Browning.(3,4)

 

References

(1) Media Release 10 May 2011 of Centre for Integrated Research in Biosafety

Setting the record straight on monitoring gene transfer from GM animals

The spokesperson for AgResearch made factually incorrect statements to Radio New Zealand’s “Rural Report” on 9 May 2011. He was challenging the peer-reviewed and published results from the Centre for Integrated Research in Biosafety (INBI) which found fundamental flaws in the monitoring of horizontal gene transfer from genetically modified animals disposed of in offal pits. Of concern to us was this statement:
“…soil bacteria are normally only found in the top soil layer which is several centimetres in depth which actually contains oxygen and biological matter so we focussed our sampling at a depth to which soil bacteria are actually found and were there any transfer it would take place in that zone where the bacteria were.”

Our response:

1. Soil bacteria and other microorganisms can be found many metres below the soil surface. Microorganisms have been detected in oil reservoirs 3000 metres deep, with metabolically active bacteria found well over 1000 metres deep (Mason et al., 2010). Notably the statement above is contradicted by AgResearch’s own research. In 2004 AgResearch detected over a million aerobic and culturable bacteria per gram of soil at its single deepest sample of 5.5 metres.

2. While the numbers of cellular microbes does decrease with depth, microbes are not absent but are still found in substantial numbers. The number of microbes in topsoil near the surface reaches an estimated 2 billion per gram of soil (Heinemann et al., 2011, Heinemann and Traavik, 2004). At depth, the population reduces by as much as 2/3rds (Fierer et al., 2003) but remains just under 1 billion per gram of soil. Indeed, an estimated 35% of the microbial biomass in the top 2 metres of soil resides below 25 centimetres (Fierer et al., 2003), and thus it is especially poignant that AgResearch mainly sampled at only 15 and 30 cm, thus ignoring a significant proportion of the potential recombinant population.

3. Microbes on and inside the discarded carcasses would have seeded populations of bacteria and other microbes at depth, at numbers that potentially exceed those at surface. These microbes would have been of the highest priority to sample because they would have been in longest contact with the animals.

4. The kind of microbes at depth may differ in proportion from those near the surface. It is again noteworthy that AgResearch restricted their survey to only bacteria, only bacteria that can be cultured, only bacteria that can be cultured in an oxygenated environment, and only those in the top soil layers not in contact with the animals, and thus AgResearch actively excluded from consideration an estimated 99-99.9% of all other kinds of bacteria and 100% of all other kinds of microbes.

5. There is no evidence to support the contention that transfer would be restricted to the top soil layers. It is in fact probably impossible for transfer to take place in the top 30 cm when the genes being monitored were at least 1.7 vertical metres lower. This equates to approximately 1.7 million bacterial body lengths away. With the exception of one self-described “preliminary experiment” in 2004, AgResearch sampled for gene transfer in soil that essentially could not contain the target genes.

Prof. Jack A. Heinemann
Dr. Brigitta Kurenbach
Ms. Nikki Bleyendaal
Centre for Integrated Research in Biosafety
University of Canterbury
Fierer, N., Schimel, J. P. and Holden, P. A. (2003). Variations in microbial community composition through two soil depth profiles. Soil Biol. Biochem. 35, 167-176.
Heinemann, J. A., Kurenbach, B. and Bleyendaal, N. (2011). Evaluation of horizontal gene transfer monitoring experiments conducted in New Zealand between 2004 and 2009. J. Org. Sys. 6, 3-19.
Heinemann, J. A. and Traavik, T. (2004). Problems in monitoring horizontal gene transfer in field trials of transgenic plants. Nat. Biotechnol. 22, 1105-1109.
Mason, O. U., Nakagawa, T., Rosner, M., Van N., J. D., Zhou, J., Maruyama, A., Fisk, M. R. and Giovannoni, S. J. (2010). First investigation of the microbiology of the deepest layer of ocean crust. PLoS Biology 5, e15399.

(2) http://www.organic-systems.org/journal/Vol_6(1)/pdf/6(1)-Heinemann-pp3-19.pdf

http://www.organic-systems.org/journal/Vol_6(1)/index.html

EVALUATION OF HORIZONTAL GENE TRANSFER MONITORING EXPERIMENTS CONDUCTED IN NEW ZEALAND BETWEEN 2004 AND 2009. Jack A. Heinemann1,2*, Brigitta Kurenbach1,2 and Nikki Bleyendaal1  1Centre for Integrated Research in Biosafety and the School of Biological Sciences, University of Canterbury, Christchurch New Zealand  2GenØk – Centre for Biosafety, Tromsø, Norway.  Corresponding author. Phone +64 3 364 2500 email jack.heinemann@canterbury.ac.nz  03 3642926   021 0239 7321

(3) http://www.organicnz.org/soil-and-health-press/1261/should-agresearch-be-charged-with-fraud/

(4) http://www.organicnz.org/soil-and-health-press/1260/erma-swallowed-genetic-bull-from-agresearch/

 

 

CONTACT:

The Soil & Health Association of NZ – Organic NZ
Spokesperson
Steffan Browning
021 725655
campaign@organicnz.org