Frequently Asked Questions

Different views and opinions

We have different views and opinions about how genetically modified (GM) plants and animals could help our farming businesses and the land.

  • Some feel that non-GM production is a better position for our businesses and for New Zealand’s reputation.

  • Some think GMOs (genetically modified organisms) could provide a solution for climate change and other environmental challenges.

  • Some think we have the tools we need already and that GMOs are too high-risk and have a low probability of success.

  • Some feel they don’t know enough about GM and are not sure what to think.

 Genetic modification (GM) is a complex topic.  This is what we understand.

What is a GMO?

A GMO (Genetically Modified Organism) is a plant, animal, or microorganism that has had its DNA modified using genetic engineering.

There are different approaches for making GMOs. They may involve the introduction of a gene from a foreign organism (to produce a transgenic organism), or an organism’s own genes may be altered by gene editing. All methods for making a GMO involve the delivery of foreign genetic material (such as DNA, RNA and enzymes that make or fix breaks in DNA).

How is genetic modification (GM) used?

Agriculture, medicine and pest control are GM’s main areas of application. Most New Zealanders support medical uses.

 The use of GM in crops and animal production is a relatively small area, but it is where much of the controversy overseas and at home is focused. 

What is New Zealand’s current position?

Currently, New Zealand is GMO-free. This means our products can be sold in markets such as Europe which pays more for premium products. Our products do not require extra testing or certification to ensure they are GMO-free for markets.

This is how Fonterra describes our current dairy industry position:

  • No genetically modified plants or animals (including cows) have been released in New Zealand, and no genetically modified antibiotics, vaccines, or growth hormones are used on cows here.

  • New Zealand is one of the only dairying countries in the world which has not approved release of genetically modified crops.

 

How are GMOs currently regulated in New Zealand?

GMOs and gene editing are currently regulated under the Hazardous Substances and New Organisms (HSNO) Act 1996.  Under the HSNO Act, the import, development or release of any genetically modified organism in New Zealand must be approved by the Environmental Protection Agency.

In a field test or outdoor development, genetically modified organisms (GMOs) are kept within outdoor enclosures with physical barriers. Operating procedures, such as preventing plants from flowering or reproducing, are also used to keep the genetically modified plant or animal within its secure enclosure. These activities within approved facilities are classed as being in containment.

There have been very few GMOs approved for use including a couple of vaccines (veterinary and medical). There have been some field trials.  There is some use of imported GM animal feed, particularly in dairying.

What are the regulatory changes that Government has proposed? 

The Government introduced the Gene Technology Bill to Parliament on December 10.  The Bill passed its first reading in Parliament on 17 December 2024.

This legislation is intended to allow for greater use of gene technology while still ensuring strong protections for the health and safety of people and the environment. It will be based on Australia’s Gene Technology Act 2000.

If passed, this legislation will establish a new regulator, who will oversee the use of gene technology. The regulator is proposed to be an independent statutory officer, supported by a regulatory team to process applications and conduct the necessary risk assessments, as well as an expert Technical Advisory Committee and a Māori Advisory Committee.

What is the new Bill’s process and timeframe?

The bill is open for submission until February 17.  Submissions will then be heard by the Health Select Committee. The select committee is to report back by June, and the bill is to be passed into law later this year. 

The new regulator is expected to begin operation by the end of 2025.

 

What could this change mean for New Zealand’s agriculture?

A change to have GMOs free in the environment and on farms will have big impacts on farmers and growers, even if they choose not to grow GM crops or animals. New verification programmes will be needed for exports at a minimum, and these will bring extra costs, affecting profitability.

 

What could these proposed regulatory changes mean for farmers and growers? 

If new GMO regulations are introduced, some of the potential impacts could include:

  • Market rejection of product and consumer push back

  • Loss of market premiums

  • Brand reputation damage to agriculture, tourism and other industries

  • Loss of non-GMO certification

  • The potential for unintended negative consequences as a result of changes to the genome

 

What could it cost farmers and growers?

The costs are not clear at this stage, but there will be increased compliance costs. Research on the economic impacts of these proposed changes has not been done.

 

Can genetically modified and non-GMO species co-exist?

Co-existence (e.g. GM grass species grown next to, or near, non-GMO grass species) will prove difficult in our pasture-based farming systems.

 

Can we mitigate climate change without GMOs?

GMOs do not offer unique ways to reduce emissions and need to be compared with other options for their overall effects.  Research is underway - watch this space.

 

Before the Government makes significant changes, what is needed?

The changes proposed in the Gene Technology Bill are significant. But the timeframe is rushed, little consultation has been done and there are gaps in the information available to assess what the future under these proposals will mean for farmers and growers.

Some of the information needed to make proper informed decisions on GM technology include:

  • A net economic benefit analysis to assess the economic and market risks of these regulation changes.  We need to ensure that any GMO release will benefit us and NZ economically.

    An analysis of our markets, the value of non-GM position and the risks from changing the regulations. The market acceptability of GMOs, along with contamination risks, is potentially the single biggest issue for farmers and growers.

    Potential costs to those who supply GM-sensitive customers and markets.

  • How regulation change will work at ground level for our businesses, and the additional time and costs of complying with those regulations.

  • Traceability of all GMOs, to allow for supply chain segregation (where feasible)

  • Ensuring that non-GM farmers do not unfairly carry the costs of segregation (where feasible) and/or the costs of contamination. This means clarity about the costs of allowing GMOs into supply chains and where these costs will fall.

  • Strong legal liability to ensure that farmers and growers supplying to GM-sensitive markets are not shouldered with more compliance costs and supply contract risks arising from GM product contamination.

  • Give us time to understand what’s involved.  These changes will affect us all and we need to get it right. This will require Parliament making more time for discussion, rather than rushing changes through.