By Vera van der Voorden
International Speaker on GMO’S and GE to give talk in Raglan
In the Raglan Town Hall Supper Room on Wednesday 5 September at 7pm Dr Latham a prominent international advocate for public interest science will speak about Advanced Gene Editing in Agriculture, Food and Biosafety Regulation.
Dr Jonathon Latham who holds a Masters degree in crop genetics and a PhD in plant virology, is currently touring Aotearoa to help us understand the implications of Gene Editing Technology. He has amazingly accepted an invitation to speak in Raglan.
Dr Latham considers it vital to be informed and discuss what we should consider for the future of our human and ecological health ahead of the application of this new science.
Some of the issues he will address are: Will gene driven organisms be hazardous to the predators who eat them? What will happen if the prey species drive their own to species to extinction, or if they fail to do so? What happens if the genes spread from the original species to others? Can genes from viral pathogens ever be safely inserted and used in other organisms.
There have been several court cases in Aotearoa involving GMO’s. The case of Federated Farmers of New Zealand v Northland Regional Council has established that local councils have the power under the RMA to control the use of GMOs via their local planning instruments.
The Waikato District plan is under review and there is a chance to insert provisions in the draft plan. Come along to listen or contribute to the discussion.
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