Genetic modification & new organisms
We use genetic modification techniques and ‘new organisms’ in research to improve environmental management.
 Regional Council staff at a biocontrol of weeds field day. |
All our research using genetic modification and new organisms was carried out in containment and approved by either the Environmental Risk Management Authority (ERMA) or an ERMA-approved Institutional Biological Safety Committee (IBSC). Projects all complied with Hazardous Substances and New Organisms (HSNO) legislation.
Current research includes:
- new approaches to pest control (e.g., new pesticides, fertility control)
- the taxonomy and population genetics of native species
- diagnostic probes to identify organisms that are biosecurity risks
- the efficacy and safety of new organisms for biological control of weeds.
Because of the small amount of genetic modification work at our Lincoln site, we withdrew from the joint IBSC with Crop & Food Research. Our applications now go directly to ERMA. We still maintain our Auckland IBSC in conjunction with HortResearch.
All facilities within which we use genetically modified and new organisms are regularly audited by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (MAF).
ERMA approvals
In 2003/04, one new approval was obtained from ERMA to develop a low-risk
genetically modified organism in containment, one approval to import a potential
new biocontrol agent, and one approval to manufacture an ant-control bait
containing a hazardous substance.
ERMA applications and approvals »
Hazardous substances
During 2003/04 the use of hazardous substances was transferred to the new Hazardous Substances and New Organisms (HSNO) legislation. Most of our work with hazardous substances is of limited scale, and we are able to follow the Exempt Laboratories Code of Practice (under Section 33 of the HSNO Act). To facilitate compliance with this code, we appointed coordinators at each of our sites, in addition to a company-wide coordinator.
Containment Facilities
Containment facilities are rooms or buildings from which organisms cannot escape. They operate at different levels, for example, only authorised personnel are allowed into the insect quarantine facility, which is physical containment level 2. All insects being imported to New Zealand as potential biological control agents must be quarantined.
People enter via a security system and three sets of doors, two of which
seal, like a fridge. Staff wear full-length overalls with a hood, and
if they have a beard they have to wear a mask as well. All air exhausted
from the building is filtered, and all material leaving the room must
be sterilised in an autoclave or put through a very cold freezer to kill
insects and other organisms. Purpose-built containment facilities, such
as our insect quarantine, are very energy intensive.
Transitional and Containment
Facilities »
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Annie Lloyd-Jones
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Environmental Coordinator Phone: (03) 325 6700 |
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