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%, to a survey by Primary Purpose were supportive of genetic technologies in food production and 34% were unsure.
Less than a third of respondents, 31%, were outright opposed.
Primary Purpose, a human-centered strategy design and research firm specialising in primary industries, commissioned the poll.
The goal was to understand public perception ahead of new legislation on the use of GMOs in NZ.
The study reveals only 29% 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 technology is not well understood.
Only 31% 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 (69%) for genetic technologies to help control pests and diseases that damage the natural environment, and to help crops resist pests and diseases, reducing the need for chemicals and pesticides (68%).
Genetic technologies to improve drought resistance of crops and help NZ farmers adapt to climate change gained 65% support while 62% of survey respondents supported increasing use for increasing nutritional value of foods.
“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,” founding partner of Primary Purpose Dr Scott Champion said.
“New Zealanders generally favour a cautious approach, with 45% advocating for gradual steps towards any adoption of genetic technologies.
“Men are generally more supportive, while Māori respondents tend to be less supportive.”
Asked their views on how NZ should approach using genetic technologies in food production, participants responded to encourage further exploration assessing on a case-by-case basis to ensure safety, 45%; to keep NZ food production completely free of genetic technologies, 29%; to ease regulations to allow for much greater use, 14% while 12% were unsure.
The full report can be read here.
