Japanese consumers are voicing strong opposition to the possibility of genetically modified (GM) foods from New Zealand, expressing surprise and concern over potential changes in the country’s food production.
The Consumers Union of Japan (CUJ), a leading consumer advocacy group with about 30 million people, has reiterated its longstanding rejection of GM foods, urging New Zealand to remain a natural food exporter.
In a statement, CUJ Chairperson Mrs. Michiyo Koketsu highlighted Japan’s deep reliance on food imports, including New Zealand’s well-known kiwifruit, while emphasising the challenges posed by international trade agreements such as the World Trade Organization (WTO) and the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP). Japanese consumers, she noted, continue to harbour concerns over food safety and agricultural standards.
“For almost 30 years, Japanese farmers have refrained from growing GM crops due to consumer opposition. However, contamination from imported GM canola has been repeatedly confirmed throughout Japan,” the statement read.
Japanese consumer groups have worked tirelessly to prevent GM foods from entering supermarkets and demand stricter regulations, including mandatory labelling for genome-edited or “New Genetic Technologies” (NGTs), also known as “Precision Breeding.”
CUJ expressed surprise that New Zealand, known for its natural and high-quality food exports, might consider a greater adoption of GM technology. The organisation also pointed to concerns shared by farmers in New Zealand regarding safety issues, patenting rules, and the protection of biological diversity.
“We hope you will remain a stable, wonderful, and natural food exporter. Do not underestimate the old saying, ‘the customer is king,’ and please keep New Zealand GM-free,” urged Mrs. Koketsu.
Public submissions on the bill close today at 11.59pm.
BREAKING NEWS: On the eve of submissions closing for the Gene Technology Bill, the Consumers Union of Japan has expressed shock and opposition to this Bill. They represent 30 million Japanese consumers.
"We are surprised and frankly quite shocked that anyone in New Zealand would… pic.twitter.com/sFNAUmqcXJ
— Charlotte Weber (@sanguine211) February 16, 2025
Bless you Japan for siding with us. ❤️
Think of the chaos, let alone the expense, when changing the whole country to driving on the right hand side of the road!!
This is what could happen should we lose Japan as a major trading partner, which we surely will if all we can offer is “frankenfood”
Kiwis love their cars and it is rare to see a European brand on the road because they are manufactured with the steering wheel on the left hand side of the car (for driving on the right hand side of the road).
Around 35% of countries in the world drive on the left hand side of the road.
India drives on the left, so does Australia,
https://www.theautopian.com/why-some-countries-drive-on-the-left-and-why-its-better/
Japan supplies approximately 95% of used car imports to NZ.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5trFzfqmc0k
How come the very same country that promoted gene therapy masquerading as a vaccine and embraces the climate alarmist nonsense, is now seeking trust from the public as they embark on this dangerous experiment with genetically modified food. Trusting politicians is a folly that we all end up paying for.
NZDSOS has a link where you can make a Parliamentary submission to STOP THE GENE TECHNOLOGY BILL!
The submission end date is today, the 17th of February 2025.
Take a couple of minutes to make a submission.
IF the submission is NOT accepted, then screenshot the submission and send it to;
he@parliament.govt.nz,
AND-
to webmaster@parliament.govt.nz
Judith Colins seems to be the one pushing this, someone clearly needs to investigate her
This is such a stupid direction for NZ to go, our mainstream media is doing nothing, and it seems most people are behaving like sheep.
I have made my submission and I hope plenty of others have too. Fingers crossed that this is repelled.
New Zealander agree with Japan!!