Genetic modification and the kiwifruit industry: the risks and rewards of participation and non-participation

The New Zealand Kellogg Rural Leaders Programme develops emerging agribusiness leaders to help shape the future of New Zealand agribusiness and rural affairs. Lincoln University has been involved with this leaders programme since 1979 when it was launched with a grant from the Kellogg Foundation, USA.This report aims to look at several aspects of the genetic modification debate. It is a brief overview of some of the issues and challenges facing industries involved in genetic research including the benefits and risks (perceived and otherwise). It will look at the kiwifruit industry and see how that industry fits in the overall picture. It will give some examples of what is happening, and what possibly may happen, some consumer perceptions, some industry views, and will touch very briefly on ethical and moral issues as they apply to people of New Zealand. It will make conclusions as to the position we are in now, and the issues that are to be faced, as huge advances are made in the technology that is available