Consumer Perspectives of GM Salmon

1. Consumer Perspectives of GM Salmon Janet Grice Angela MacKenzie Carmen McLeod

2. Traditional View of Salmon

3. New Zealand King Salmon • Processing ~ 5000 tonnes of salmon p.a. • 70% of NZ farmed salmon • 40% of world production • Guarantee no antibiotics, growth stimulants, Drugs or toxic substances added

4. New Zealand King Salmon • 1994 – research GM fish • 1999 – Green Party leaked document about deformities • “Frankenfish” • Local Opposition • 2000 – Salmon trials closed • Denied closure due to political, ethical or scientific influence • Negative publicity jeopardised the image of NZKS

5. Consumer Perceptions • Series of focus groups conducted in November 2006 • Perceptions of NZ Royal Commission • Perceptions of GM in general • Perceptions of GM salmon

6. Perceptions of NZ Royal Commission • Most participants were unaware of the Royal Commission • Those who were aware considered it to be a ‘whitewash’ producing the results that industry wanted

7. Perceptions of GM in general • General acceptance of the technology • Concerns about environmental safety • Concerns about benefits to consumers • Concerns about ownership of technology • Concerns about food safety • Acceptance of medical applications of the technology

8. Perceptions of GM salmon • Fast growing salmon seen as a benefit only to companies • Concerns that growing at twice the rate will require twice the food • Concerns about increases in Omega oils – can the body utilize them? • Reluctance to eat the resulting food products

9. Conclusion • Sense of inevitability of introduction of GM food • Queries regarding the motives of companies introducing the technology • Queries regarding the necessity of the technology • Consider that a more holistic viewpoint should be taken on problems