New Zealand Lifts Ban on GE Test Crops

New Zealand Lifts Ban on GE Test Crops

WELLINGTON, New Zealand--In October, the New Zealand governmentlifted an 18-month voluntary ban on field trials for genetically engineered (GE)crops, but imposed controls on any trials and banned the release of GE productsfor the next two years. Prime Minister Helen Clark said science and research"must continue with strict controls in place to protect the health of NewZealanders and the environment." The only exceptions to the GE ban are formedicines for treating both humans and animals.