Farmers urge eco-terrorist crackdown

By Phil Boeyen, ShareChat Business News Editor

Tuesday 15th January 2002

Federated Farmers is urging police to be tough on the eco-terrorists who recently destroyed a crop of genetically modified potatoes at a research lab near Christchurch.

The organisation's president, Alistair Polson says the police should bring the full force of the law down on the eco-terrorists after last week's recent attack at the Lincoln Agriculture and Science Centre.

"Last year the government chose to accept the recommendations of the Royal Commission on Genetic Modification that New Zealand proceed with GM technology with the appropriate caution," says Mr Polson.

"We cannot let the democratic process be derailed by those who choose to live outside the law."

Mr Polson says maintaining international competitiveness is vital for a small trading nation like New Zealand and GM technology offers significant opportunities to improve New Zealanders' health, their environment, and the economy.

"The actions of a fundamentalist minority will only serve to discourage investment in scientific research and lessen the attraction of New Zealand for scientists.

"The Federation urges the government to ensure penalties for such actions act as a deterrent to prevent further instances of eco-terrorism."

Although New Zealand has chosen to move ahead with genetic modification under strict guidance there is a strong feeling amongst green supporters that promoting the country as a 'GE-Free Zone' offers more financial benefits in the long-term.

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