Wine industry leaders support GMO research
Wednesday, 9 September, 2009
Winetech
The South African wine industry has expressed its full support for the
planned research by the University of Stellenbosch into the
establishment of genetically modified vineyards, and is satisfied that
the implementation process is being handled in a responsible manner
with the due transparency and consultation.
This according to the leaders of the representative organisations Salba, VinPro and WCSA, as well as the research co-ordinator for the wine industry, Winetech. The latter organisation manages funding for research in the industry, including this project.
The above-mentioned parties fully agree with current legislation that wine may not be produced from modified vineyards or yeasts. However, they also feel strongly that South Africa should maintain its competitive position in the international arena with regard to research conducive to eco-friendly and sustainable wine production.
While the industry appreciates the concerns from members of the public, it is confident that a world leader such as the Institute for Wine Biotechnology at the University of Stellenbosch would perform these scientific experiments according to a strictly regulated process.
This is a joint press release by:
Salba: South African Liquor Brandowners Association
VinPro
WKSA: Wine Cellars South Africa
Winetech: Wine Industry Network of Expertise and Technology
Enquiries: Jan Booysen, Executive Manager, Winetech at (021) 807-3324.