Gene Technology Bill: Impact on Winegrowers and New Zealand Winegrowers' Response
Genetic modification has long been a topic of hot debate.
"While the intention o the Bill is to increase community involvement and to reduce alcohol harm, during the submission process we communicated our concerns this Bill could potentially have a major impact on wine tourism and wine trails," says New Zealand Winegrowers (NZW) Chief Executive Philip Gregan.
"We will be closely monitoring the use of this legislation and its impact on businesses."
The Bill could mean that some winery cellar doors will be unable to sell wine and be forced to close if an LAP imposes proximity provisions relating to sites such as schools or a church, or there are restrictions on the density of licenses, Phillip says.
"These provisions would apply irrespective of whether the winery cellar door is well run or valued by the community. This makes little or no sense given winery cellar doors are in the lowest risk category of licence, where wine is available to be tasted, enjoyed, and purchased."
