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By Kathy Cogo
Tuesday, 14/10/2008
Would you buy milk labelled as having a genetically engineered product?Farmers are considering growing a genetically engineered grass in future which reduces the amount of methane a cow produces. A collaboration between Australian scientists and a New Zealand stock and station company is researching a grass which is hoped to maintain production levels at the same time as reducing greenhouse gas emissions.Researchers have found that the amount of methane a cow produces depends on what they eat.Lachlan McKenzie from Federated Farmers of New Zealand explains why scientists are developing a high sugar grass. "Methane is the bi-product of protein, the break down of protein and so if you have a higher sugar content in your pasture relative to the protein then the animal can use that protein rather than having to break it down for energy use." Mr McKenzie says as a result the grass should produce a more productive cow. He says they might have little choice but to grow GE grass in future. "Politicians in their wisdom have certainly indicated on both sides of the Tasman that they want to decrease the emissions of greenhouse gases from agricultural land ... so that's why the pressure's on for the researchers to actually come up with solutions for the regulations that are coming in." Are they worried about trying to sell milk that derives from genetically engineered grass? No. Mr McKenzie thinks consumers are more pragmatic and accepting in their attitudes towards GE food.
In this report: Lachlan McKenzie, dairy representative, Federated Farmers of New Zealand
Tuesday, 14/10/2008
Would you buy milk labelled as having a genetically engineered product?Farmers are considering growing a genetically engineered grass in future which reduces the amount of methane a cow produces. A collaboration between Australian scientists and a New Zealand stock and station company is researching a grass which is hoped to maintain production levels at the same time as reducing greenhouse gas emissions.Researchers have found that the amount of methane a cow produces depends on what they eat.Lachlan McKenzie from Federated Farmers of New Zealand explains why scientists are developing a high sugar grass. "Methane is the bi-product of protein, the break down of protein and so if you have a higher sugar content in your pasture relative to the protein then the animal can use that protein rather than having to break it down for energy use." Mr McKenzie says as a result the grass should produce a more productive cow. He says they might have little choice but to grow GE grass in future. "Politicians in their wisdom have certainly indicated on both sides of the Tasman that they want to decrease the emissions of greenhouse gases from agricultural land ... so that's why the pressure's on for the researchers to actually come up with solutions for the regulations that are coming in." Are they worried about trying to sell milk that derives from genetically engineered grass? No. Mr McKenzie thinks consumers are more pragmatic and accepting in their attitudes towards GE food.
In this report: Lachlan McKenzie, dairy representative, Federated Farmers of New Zealand
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