Wellington will host the first prominent public presentation and debate on genetic engineering.

350 people are expected to participate and ask hotly debated questions. The panel will consist of prominent scientists, politicians and the farming community. Food safety, labelling, biosafety and New Zealand's export position will be addressed.

The Hon. Tuariki John Delamere, Assistant Minister of Health, will speak on food labelling. Phillida Bunkle will address health issues.

Alan Taylor, Federated Farmers' spokesperson on genetically modified organisms, and Judy Cole, Country Women's' Institutes' national exec, will represent the farming community. They will highlight concerns and potential of genetically engineered crops and organic farming.

Dr. Jon Hickford, Lincoln University, and Ass. Prof. Peter Wills, Auckland University, will explain what genetic engineering really is.

Karen Cronin, Communications Manager of ERMA - Environmental Risk Management Authority, will be present to answer procedural questions.

"We are happy that we have found such competent people to face burning questions from the public," says Helmut Lubbers, organiser of the forum.

Mr Lubbers is trustee of ecology discovery foundation new zealand (charitable trust) - ecoglobe. The trustees of edf-ecoglobe decided that they should help in bringing more clarity to the genetic engineering debate. Edf-ecoglobe is politically neutral and committed to the promotion of environmental knowledge.

The forum is free of charge and open to all members of the public. However, a koha to assist with the costs will be appreciated.

Helmut E. Lubbers
BE MsSocSci DipEcol

trustee