Katie Henderson: Are gene edited foods the future? A multi-perspective analysis on New Zealand food system actors
Given the polarising role of gene editing technologies (GETs) in agriculture and their growing significance in scientific and political debates, understanding their acceptability is crucial. Much research focuses on regulatory issues or consumer willingness to pay, while dialogue on their social implications and the export marketing of gene-edited foods (GEFs) is underexplored. Consumer trust in actors involved in GETs is vital but insufficiently studied, particularly different types of trust. This thesis offers a multi-level exploration of food system actors’ perspectives through three studies: a systematic review of socio-cultural factors influencing GET acceptability, interviews with New Zealand stakeholders focused on country of origin branding, and focus groups examining consumer trust formation. The research extends COO brand theory into GET scholarship, emphasising the importance of understanding socio-cultural contexts. It offers insights for policymakers and industry on managing tensions across food system actors as GET policies evolve and GEF commercialisation accelerates.