The Northland Age Thursday, 28 January 2010

GMOs seen as a risky business -  Make users legally responsible: poll

 The majority of Northlanders and Aucklanders want strict controls over any genetically-modified (GM) plants and animals grown in their areas, according to a Colmar Brunton poll conducted late last year.

 The poll, commissioned by the Inter-Council Working Party on GMO Risk Evaluation and Management Options, found that two-thirds or more of respondents favoured regulation of at least a strength that would make users of genetically-modified organisms (GMOs) legally responsible for any environmental or economic harm, either by way of local regulation or changes to national legislation.

letters to editor:

editor@northernadvocate.co.nz

******p. 6, Friday, 15th January 2010 RURAL ADVOCATE

"Big 'no' for GM food"

by Zelka Grammer, spokesperson

GE Free Northland

The results of a Colmar Brunton poll, commissioned by local authorities from Auckland north to Cape Reinga because of growing concerns of about genetically modified organisms (GMOs), was released just before Christmas.

The poll was remarkably consistent, showing significant opposition to GMO land use from both rural and urban dwellers.

"Councils take action after poll reveals GE concern"                                                              21 December 2009 NORTHERN ADVOCATE by Mike Barrington

Whangarei and Kaipara District councils have begun moves to tighten controls on the use of genetically modified organisms (GMOs).

Both last week adopted recommendations from the Inter-council Working Party on GMO Risk Evaluation and Management Options, which commissioned a Colmar Brunton poll that showed most Northlanders were concerned about the risks associated with genetically modified plants and animals.