The national farming lobby group's call for a rethink on genetic engineering in New Zealand has been echoed by an unlikely ally - but with the opposite outcome in mind.
Federated Farmers says it is time for New Zealand to review legislation which is preventing the production of genetically engineered crops and pasture plants.
GE Free's New Zealand's national spokesperson Jon Carapiet agreed a review is needed, as he believed there is now enough evidence for an outright ban on genetic engineering.
"In New Zealand's case, at least the evidence is absolutely that we should have a moratorium on GE release and really put that research and development into proven successful alternatives.
"Things like marker assisted breeding - where you're using the gene science intelligently but in a way that doesn't put out genetically engineered organisms into the environment, doesn't transfer risk onto other farmers, onto exporters, onto future generations. "
Mr Carapiet said Federated Farmers president William Rolleston has been a lobbyist for genetic engineering for a long time, and questioned whether ordinary farmers would share his views on GE.
