National biosafety framework (draft) Tokaga Motu : Niue

Abstract

Modern biotechnology and biosafety are new concepts to Niue. Low-level biotechnology has been used by farmers for centuries to crossbreed plants and animals. This has resulted in higher crop yields, bigger animals or stronger plants. Modern biotechnology can now transfer characteristics from one species to another by taking genes from one species and inserting them into the same or another species to produce new and desired characteristics. This may include resistance to disease or to pests. The products of modern biotechnology are often referred to as Living Modified Organisms (LMOs) or Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs).