Radio New Zealand - Te Reo Irirangi o Aotearoa

AgResearch pushes on with GM work

Updated at 6:46 am on 20 May 2010

AgResearch says it is business as usual for its genetically modified animal research at Ruakura, as it awaits the outcome of two court challenges.

By seeking a judicial review in the High Court, GE-Free New Zealand campaigners are challenging the Environmental Risk Management Authority's recent approval for AgResearch to continue its GM work for another 20 years.

The scientists have been working mainly with genetically modified cattle to produce therapeutic proteins in milk.

On Wednesday, GE-Free filed papers with the Supreme Court, continuing the group's efforts to block further applications by AgResearch to extend its GM animal research.

AgResearch's applied biotechnologies head Dr Jimmy Suttie says those court challenges are unsettling for people working on the programme.

But he says they have strong government support through FORST funding and a mandate from the authorities to continue the long-term research.

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