Economy
Clarification needed over GM Eucalypt
Environment Tasmania is seeking clarification today from the State government and industry bodies as to whether or not there have ever been trials, lab or field, of genetic modification of Eucalyptus in Tasmania.
An article which appeared in the summer edition of 40 degrees south in 2000, appears to contradict the assertion that there has been no genetic modification of Eucalyptus Nitens in Tasmania. As reported in The Advocate today, the 40 degrees south article refers to the plantations program in North-West Tasmania run by a company called Associated Forest Holdings (AFH), which became known as North Forest Products (which was subsequently acquired by Gunns).
The article states, in part; “The last two decades saw North Broken Hill (NBH, now North Ltd) acquire APPM and AFH, with the establishment of a research centre and forest nursery expansion at Ridgley. The projects complemented each other with AFH becoming the world leaders in genetically modifying E.Nitens to improve cold tolerance and pulp fibre yield”
“This article (40 degrees south) appears to contradict the assertion that there have been no trials of genetically modified Eucalyptus nitens in Tasmania. This raises serious questions and the Tasmanian public need a clear answer from the Forests Minister and from relevant industry representatives as to whether or not GM trials have occurred – and if so, the nature of those trials.
“Irrespective of the clarification needed over GM in regards to the Ridgley nursery – the evidence found by Dr Bleaney and Dr Scammell that E.Nitens is emitting a toxin into waterways in NE Tasmania continues to provide a strong case for an urgent and full independent investigation into the impacts of this toxin on water catchments and drinking water,” he said.
Environment Tasmania is the peak body for Tasmanian environment & conservation groups – and represents over 20 Tasmanian environment groups with collective representation of over 5000 Tasmanians.
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