GM crops and damage to country image: much ado about nothing?
2016
Knight, J. G.
Genetic modification (GM) is perhaps the most demonized technology of the past century, despite numerous safety reviews concluding that GM foods are safe. An argument frequently heard within New Zealand is that release of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) into the environment will harm the “clean green” image of the country, and therefore do irreparable harm to export markets for food products and to the tourism industry. Similar arguments have been voiced in certain regions or states, such as Tasmania. But, is there evidence? I have tested the likelihood of harmful effects on New Zealand's clean green image using face-to-face interviews with gatekeepers in the food distribution channel in five countries in Europe, in China and in India. I conclude that it is highly unlikely that the introduction of GM plants into New Zealand would have any long-term deleterious effect on perceptions in overseas markets of food products sourced from New Zealand. I have also conducted surveys of 515 first-time visitors to New Zealand, intercepted at Auckland International Airport soon after arrival. I conclude that there would be no significant impact on New Zealand's image as a tourist destination. In addition, I have investigated whether growers in GM-free states in Australia gain a higher premium for their non-GM canola than do growers of non-GM canola in states where GM-canola is also grown (New South Wales, Western Australia). It appears that they do not. Therefore, the claimed negative impact of GMOs on country/regional image appears to be fallacious.
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