I will also touch on areas where there are differences of opinion among members of the Royal Society. Rosemary will deal in greater depth with societal issues and George will deal with the biological sciences. A stronger consultation, control and administrative framework must be instituted. Improved HSNO legislation is urgently required. New Zealand should proceed with contained research and contained field trials into and involving GM technology.
Field trials are an essential element in risk and benefit assessment.
Before any general or specific decision on commercial release of genetically modified organisms is taken, more effective consultation mechanisms than currently exist must be developed to include cultural, ethical and social issues and used to decide whether or not to proceed with commercial release. If commercial release is contemplated, an effective post-release monitoring system must be developed and established before release occurs. On commercial release, this monitoring system must be implemented and reviewed. Consideration should be given to how those benefiting from the use of GM technologies would meet the costs of any adverse consequences of the commercial release of GMOs. Current laws and international agreements on intellectual property, especially patents, will require continual review as to what is patentable and what is not.