dsRNA Field Trials in NZ: Implications for Primary Production and Organic Farming

7 minutes ago

2 min read

Orange webinar poster for OANZ Frontline Perspectives on dsRNA trials in NZ, featuring Scott Lawson and Dr Elvira Dommisse.

dsRNA Field Trials Introduction

Experimental pesticides utilizing double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) gene-silencing technology have been approved for field trials in New Zealand. For organic growers and the wider agricultural community, this development raises major concerns, as gene-silencing technology is explicitly prohibited under international organic production standards.

To inform farmers, growers, and industry stakeholders, Organics Aotearoa New Zealand (OANZ) is hosting an upcoming public briefing webinar.

Webinar Overview

Topic: dsRNA trials in NZ and their implications for Primary Production
Date & Time: Thursday, 19 November at 7:00 pm
Platform: Online via Zoom
Admission: Free

Key Discussion Topics

The briefing session will cover:

What dsRNA pesticides are and how gene-silencing technology functions.
Why gene silencing is banned under international organic standards.
What has been approved for field trials in New Zealand and current regulatory unknowns.
The potential risks and long-term impacts for organic production and primary industry.
OANZ's recent engagement with the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) and the EPA, as well as ways to get involved.

Featured Speakers

Scott Lawson: Organic blueberry grower from Hawke’s Bay and member of the OANZ board. He has spearheaded OANZ’s GE-Free advocacy over the past year, leading discussions with MPI and the EPA on dsRNA pesticide trials.
Dr. Elvira Dommisse: Former GM researcher with NZ Crop & Food Research and science advisor to OANZ. She regularly presents on biosafety and genetic engineering policy and serves as a trustee of Physicians and Scientists for Global Responsibility (PSGR).