ZB ZB
Live now
Start time
Playing for
End time
Listen live
Listen to NAME OF STATION
Up next
Listen live on
ZB

GMO crop horror stories debunked

Author
Alicia Burrow ,
Publish Date
Thu, 19 May 2016, 7:49AM
Horror stories of mutations and vitamin deficiencies caused by consuming GMO and GE crops are being debunked by a new academic report. (Getty Images)

GMO crop horror stories debunked

Author
Alicia Burrow ,
Publish Date
Thu, 19 May 2016, 7:49AM

UPDATED 8.35pm Horror stories of mutations and vitamin deficiencies caused by consuming GMO and GE crops are being debunked by a new academic report.

LISTEN ABOVE: University of South Wales Biotechnology Professor Denis Murphy speaks to Alicia Burrow

Twenty senior professors compiled decades of research from a handful of universities around the globe - it's said to be the largest ever report of it's kind.

The 400 page report, funded by the US-based National Academics of Science, Engineering, and Medicine is independent of private enterprise, or produce industries.

It has found the health risk of consuming GMO and GE products is nil, in fact the advances create healthier foods, and are even beneficial to the environment.

But the US National Academy of Sciences Chairman Fred Gould told Larry Williams GMO crops need to be used carefully:

"What we did find, and you could call it an agronomic effect or environmental effect, is when these things are not used appropriately the insects and the weeds become resistant to them and then you're back to square one."

The report shows that if New Zealand policymakers don't relax about the use of GMO and GE products, we'll be left behind in more ways than one.

The modifications can create pesticide free crops with a higher vitamin content, studies show these advances result in reduced insecticide poisoning in farmers, and increased nutritional value.

The University of South Wales Biotechnology Professor Denis Murphy said New Zealand should take note.

Professor Murphy said new types of forage grass for sheep and dairy are being developed and are already being taken on by other countries.

The grass has a higher content of omega 3 fatty acids, for NZ that would mean milk and beef would have a higher nutritional content.

He said it seems crazy not to use the grass because there's nothing wrong with it, it's just an advanced form of breeding.

He said New Zealand needs to decide now whether it's going to 'join the party or not.'

Take your Radio, Podcasts and Music with you