New Zealanders are cautiously open to the use of genetic technologies in the country’s food production systems, according to new research.

More than a third of respondents (34 per cent) to the survey by Primary Purpose were supportive of genetic technologies in food production and 34 per cent were unsure. Less than a third of respondents (31 per cent) were outrightly opposed. 

The study reveals only 29 per cent of New Zealanders indicate they want their food production to be entirely free of genetic technologies. 

However, the research shows that for many New Zealanders, genetic technologies is not an area that is well understood.

Only 31 per cent of respondents indicate they know ‘a lot’ or ‘a fair amount’ about the use of genetic technologies in food production.

Meanwhile, the survey showed strong support for genetic technologies to help control pests and diseases that damage the natural environment (69 per cent) and to help crops resist pests and diseases, reducing the need for chemicals and pesticides (68 per cent).

“The combination of support for specific uses and the minority of outright opposition indicates that the public is at least cautiously open to considering genetic technologies in food production and there is a clear need to support the public’s understanding of the area,” says Primary Purpose founding partner Dr Scott Champion.

“New Zealanders generally favour a cautious approach, with 45 per cent advocating for gradual steps towards any adoption of genetic technologies. Men are generally more supportive, while Māori respondents tend to be less supportive.”

Report Highlights

Support (‘strongly support’ + ‘support’) were indicated for the following specific uses of genetic technologies: 

·         To help control pests and diseases that damage the natural environment (69 per cent support)

·         Help crops resist pests and diseases, reducing the need for chemicals and pesticides (68 per cent)

·         Help to lower farm costs and potentially reduce prices to consumers (66 per cent)

·         Improve drought resistance of crops, helping New Zealand farmers to adapt to climate change (65 per cent)

·         Increase the nutritional value of foods (62 per cent)

When asked their views on how New Zealand should approach using genetic technologies in food production, participants responded:

·         Encourage further exploration assessing on a case-by-case basis to ensure safety (45 per cent)

·         Keep New Zealand food production completely free of genetic technologies (29 per cent)

·         Ease regulations to allow for much greater use (14 per cent) 

·         Unsure (12 per cent)  

Link to full report:  www.primarypurpose.co.nz/news