GM ‘delay’ or moratorium – what’s the difference?

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GM ‘delay’ or moratorium – what’s the difference?

Suggestions today that the Government is contemplating further delay in implementing key recommendations of the Royal Commission on Genetic Modification are of the greatest concern, said Simon Carlaw, Chief Executive of Business New Zealand.

“It is impossible to contemplate what further useful scientific information might be obtained beyond the $6.5 million taxpayers have already invested in the Royal Commission’s recommendations.

“The Government has clearly committed to the growth and development of the New Zealand economy.  This must involve the responsible and prudent advancement of biotechnology as proposed by the Royal Commission – it could not identify another option.

“The Government’s decision on the recommendations is being closely monitored not only in New Zealand but, critically, overseas.  The signals sent will have a real capacity to influence investment decisions across the whole economy for years to come.”