Coexistence
Coexistence refers to a situation where different forms of agriculture exist side by side – for example, conventional farming or organic agriculture and agriculture using genetically modified organisms (GMOs).
Coexistence is not a new concept in New Zealand. For a number years, organic producers and farmers using integrated pest management have been farming alongside conventional producers. Commercial seed growers – whose seeds must meet the highest standards for purity – cooperate over what crops they grow so as to avoid cross pollination.
The effective coexistence of GM agriculture alongside traditional farming plays a vital role in the Government’s policy of proceeding with caution with GM while preserving opportunities. The aim is to balance the rights of people who want to use GM organisms against the rights of those who wish to farm, for example, organically.
An important factor in coexistence is the new category of release in the Hazardous Substances and New Organisms Act (1996) called “conditional release”. This came into force on 30 October 2003. It allows the Environmental Risk Management Authority (ERMA) the independent agency responsible for decision making regarding new organisms releases – to impose conditions on a release to manage any potential risks posed by the organism.
For example, conditions could be imposed to prevent an organism moving into the wider environment. ERMA could also specify where and how organisms are used.
Conditions may include:
- security fencing for animals
- restricting where a crop may be planted
- requiring separation distances from other compatible crops (buffer zones)
- details of monitoring required as well as post harvest handling/storage etc.
ERMA can only approve an application when it meets stringent minimum standards for environmental and public health and safety.
The ministry responsible for administering the Biosecurity Act, the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (MAF) will enforce any conditions imposed by ERMA on the production of GM crops.
Anyone found not complying with those conditions will be liable for significant penalties and subject to a strict liability regime.
For more information on the new liability provisions of HSNO and the penalties for breaching the law, refer to GM Regulation: Liability for genetic modification.
Last updated: 17 September 2007
