Physicians and Scientists for Global Responsibility New Zealand Charitable Trust

Physicians and Scientists for Responsible Genetics (PSRG) developed from a group of medical and scientific professionals, concerned about the technology of genetic engineering, who were affiliated to the international group, Physicians and Scientists for the Responsible Application of Science and Technology (PSRAST).

PSRGNZ registered as a Charitable Trust and operated until June 2008 when a name change was made to Physicians and Scientists for Global Responsibility (PSGR) to better cover the range of new Objectives.  PSGRNZ is a registered Charitable Trust continuing to work in the area of genetic engineering and other fields.

An initial concern lay with genetic engineering of crops.  Members were concerned about the possible effects these crops could have on the environment and, through the introduction of new foods into the food-chain, the impact on human health.

Members believe that releasing genetically engineered organisms into the food chain and the environment is highly premature, as safety testing has not been adequately carried out.

With the increasing incidence of cancer and related diseases, we feel that the reliance on toxic chemical based agriculture should be phased out.

We support organic, sustainable agriculture as the preferred path for New Zealand, acknowledging the trade advantages and the protection of New Zealand’s biodiversity.

Genetic engineering biotechnology goes hand in hand with intensive monoculture, using single crops grown in huge fields.  Genetic engineering biotechnology will reduce the world’s - and New Zealand’s - biodiversity by promoting certain species above others.

At present, of the world’s 220,000 plant species, only 150 are grown commercially and just 20 provide over 90% of our world’s dietary needs.   We are already massively over-dependent on a fraction of the world’s available species.  Genetically engineered and trans-nationally controlled seeds will reduce this active stock even further.

PSRG made a submission to the 2000/2001 Royal Commission on Genetic Modification and presented a number of expert witnesses in this field.  Other submissions have subsequently been made on Applications to New Zealand's regulatory authorities. 

PSGR activities now include the emerging technologies of nanotechnology, synthetic biology, bio-geo-engineering, and other issues of concern.

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