Navigating genetic technology – supporting dairy farmers through regulatory reform and adoption.

Background
There have been significant advancements in genetic technology over the last ten years. Modern genetic technology is now more precise and capable of producing genetically modified organisms with changes similar to those that could have been achieved naturally. The world is responding to these advancements, prompting many countries to adopt more liberal and precise regulatory frameworks.

New Zealand is one of these countries and is now beginning its own regulatory reform process. New Zealand aims to use this reform to harness these technological advancements to improve agricultural productivity, sustainability, and competitiveness in global markets. However, these advancements also bring complexities and challenges that must be carefully managed through regulation and surrounding processes and mechanisms to ensure their safe and effective implementation.

Aims and Objectives
To navigate these complexities and ensure a smooth transition, this work aims to identify possible actions and strategies to support New Zealand dairy farmers as modern genetic technology becomes permissible on farms.

Methodology
This research involved a literature review and seven semi-structured interviews with dairy farmers. The literature review primarily focused on documented impacts from modern genetic technology use overseas and the actions and strategies taken to mitigate these impacts. The interviews were conducted with a range of participants, covering small- to large-scale dairy operations, and a variety of views on the use of genetic technology. The interview data was analysed using thematic analysis. These findings were compared and evaluated against the literature review to develop the key findings.

Key Findings
The data collected from the literature review and interviews were analysed and found:

• Regulatory reform is needed to keep pace with technological advancements and meet international standards. However, consideration should be given to ensuring that regulations are not more permissive than those of our key markets.
• Collaborative governance and inclusive decision-making are critical, particularly integrating farmers’ practical knowledge to create effective and trusted policies.
• Farmers require effective coexistence measures and regulatory alignment with export market standards to mitigate economic impact.
• Farmers and industry will need certainty and clarity about genetic technology’s impacts in a New Zealand-specific context.
• Clear communication and collaboration between government, industry, and research institutions, along with robust education and training programs, are essential for effective technology adoption.
• A gradual and controlled approach to adopting genetic technology, starting with low-risk modifications, can build knowledge, capabilities, and trust.

Recommendations for Decision-Makers:

1. Foster collaboration and inclusive decision-making: Create a regulatory environment incorporating diverse perspectives and building public trust. Consider establishing a semi-independent body or commission to ensure all stakeholders, including farmers, scientists, consumers, and Maori, have input in the regulatory reform process.
2. Develop coexistence measures: Work closely with stakeholder groups to develop and enforce mandatory coexistence measures such as buffer zones and isolation distances.
3. Enhance farmer education and support: Invest in demonstration farms, early adopter programs, and robust extension services to provide hands-on training and support.
4. Ensure clear and transparent communication: Build public and market confidence in using modern genetic technology through consistent and accurate information dissemination. This may require a unified communication strategy involving government, industry, and research institutions to clearly explain genetic technology’s benefits, risks, and regulatory requirements.
5. Align market differentiation with export markets: Align New Zealand’s labelling and standards for GM products with those of major export markets to facilitate trade and avoid market access issues.
6. Gradual and controlled adoption strategy: Start with low-risk applications of genetic technology, such as those with environmental or biosecurity benefits, and gradually expand to more complex modifications.