As Aotearoa considers its agricultural future, it seems that genetically modified organisms (GMO’s) are finally about to enter our soils. Up until now, GMO’s and gene editing have been banned in New Zealand, however the National Government has announced that they will end this ban as a part of their "Harnessing Biotech Plan” which they claim will “unlock benefits for climate change, agriculture, and health science.”

Kiwis often express skepticism towards GMOs due to several reasons rooted in environmental, health, and economic concerns. They also have a lot of conflicting factors which make them less than ideal from a tikanga Māori perspective, which raises concerns about the whakapapa (lineage) of seeds and the impact on te taiao (the surrounding environment).

A strong advocate against GMO’s is Dr Jessica Hutchings, an advocate for indigenous food sovereignty and organic farming, who emphasizes the importance of keeping our food systems rooted in traditional knowledge and practices. She argues that GMOs undermine the principles of kaitiakitanga (guardianship) and food sovereignty by prioritizing corporate interests over the rights of communities to maintain control over their food sources. Dr. Hutchings' work highlights the need to support sustainable and organic farming practices that align with Māori values and respect the interconnectedness of all living things. By rejecting GMOs, we uphold the mana of our land and protect the whakapapa of our natural resources.

As these changes move quickly, and it is public opinion that plays a crucial role in the unfolding of the decisions, it’s vital to examine the reasons why genetically modified organisms (GMOs) may pose significant challenges for our country.

We’ve collected ten simple but important reasons why GMO’s are an issue for NZ:

1. Impact on Organic Farming

Cross-contamination from GMO crops can jeopardize organic farm certification, both threatening the livelihood of organic farmers and the integrity of our local food systems - reducing consumer trust and choice.

For farmers, GM ryegrass is being touted to "reduce water demands & methane emissions whilst increasing milk production", however if this technology is released for commercial use, it is argued that farm accreditation for non-GMO would be impossible given that ryegrass is a wind pollinated plant.

2. Threat to Biodiversity

GMOs can lead to monocultures, reducing biodiversity and threatening the delicate balance of our unique ecosystems. New Zealand's native flora and fauna depend on diverse agricultural practices to thrive, and monocultures can disrupt natural habitats, soil ecosystems and food chains.

As Jason Cruse of Verdi quotes, "While these measures may achieve short-term methane reductions, they can have unintended consequences on the soil microbiome and even the broader human microbiome. Disrupting these microbial networks could undermine soil health, diversity, and ecological balance, ultimately affecting long-term fertility and resilience" - which rely on biodiversity in order to thrive.

As we invest in strategies like GMO ryegrass and methane vaccines, we must remain cautious of their potential effects on soil health and ecosystem balance. The solution could be as simple as moving beyond monoculture by diversifying swards, focusing on animal nutrition, and addressing the root cause rather than just the symptoms.

3. Health & Environmental Concerns

The long-term health impacts of consuming GMOs remain uncertain. Potential risks include allergenicity and other unforeseen health effects. GMOs (sometimes referred to as Frankenfoods) often involve an increased use of toxic herbicides and pesticides like Roundup (Glyphosate), which are known to harm soil life, water quality, and deteriorate the human gut microbiome.

4. Loss of Food Sovereignty

GMOs are often controlled by multinational corporations, which can undermine local farmers' rights to save and exchange seeds. This threatens food sovereignty and community control over food resources, limiting farmers' autonomy, and creating dependency on the state.

5. Ethical Concerns

The genetic modification of organisms raises ethical questions about tampering with nature. Many New Zealanders prefer food systems that respect natural processes and biodiversity, valuing a more harmonious relationship with the environment.

6. Cultural Disconnection

Dr. Jessica Hutchings emphasizes that GMOs conflict with Māori values of kaitiakitanga (guardianship) and whakapapa (lineage) of seed & soil. Preserving traditional food systems is crucial for cultural heritage and identity, as it connects people to their ancestors and traditions.

7. Environmental Risks

The cultivation of GMO crops often involves the increased use of herbicides and pesticides like Monsanto’s Roundup, which have been shown to harm soil health, water quality, and even the human gut microbiome. These chemicals can lead to soil degradation, harming beneficial insects and microorganisms crucial for healthy ecosystems. There is also no hard evidence that environmental advantages (e.g. drought tolerance and disease resistance) will be realised through the use of GMO’s specifically.

8. Lack of Transparency

The presence of GMOs in food products is often not clearly labeled, limiting consumer choice and informed decision-making. New Zealanders have a right to know what is in their food, ensuring transparency and accountability in our food systems.

9. Economic Impact

Introducing GMOs will damage New Zealand's reputation as a producer of high-quality, non-GMO products. This could negatively affect our export markets and the premium prices we command globally, undermining our competitive advantage. Once GMOs have entered the environment, we cannot undo what has been done, which will permanently impact NZ’s ranking in the global market.

10. Resistance Development

Over time, pests and weeds can develop resistance to the genetically modified traits designed to control them. This can lead to a cycle of increasing chemical use and environmental degradation, as farmers resort to stronger and more toxic solutions.

At Mangaroa Farms, we advocate for a GMO-free New Zealand and support regenerative, organic and indigenous agricultural practices that align with our values of guardianship and resilience. The more we can rely on local food production and soil health, biodiversity and healthy ecosystems, the better chance we have of creating a thriving food future for all of Aotearoa.

Ngā mihi aroha,

The Mangaroa Farms Team

References:

Government proposes new GMO regulations

National Plans To End Ban on GMO’s

Dr Jessica Hutchings on GMO's: The Regeneration Will Be Funded interview series

RNZ finds split opinions among Kiwis about GMOs

Super grass is here, and it’s a green breakthrough. Can Greens stomach it?