What is coming up in future food technologies? Will they be accepted by consumers and the public?
These are just two of the questions being asked in this 4-year social science research project on ‘future foods.’
Research objective
The aim of this research is to investigate social, cultural and consumer responses to a range of emerging future food technologies (particularly but not exclusively in intragenics, nanotechnology and functional foods) in the NZ and international context. The project will engage scientists, industry, government and community groups at an early stage to discuss food technology innovation, and identify the social, ethical, cultural and economic issues that will shape research directions in the future. The research will explore how social and market risk aversion can be better predicted and/or avoided through early engagement with stakeholders. Given the importance of food to the NZ economy, enhancing decision-making in this area is a national priority.
The findings of the research will be of interest to ‘end users’ in science, industry and government and wider interest groups involved in future food technology research and investment in New Zealand.
How you can be involved:
Invitation to take part in 'future foods' research (pdf document opens in a new window)
Learn more...
The Project Team
This project is being managed by Environmental Science & Research (ESR) for Plant and Food Research (PFR), and is funded by the Foundation for Research, Science and Technology (FRST).
Key contacts:
ESR: Dr Karen Cronin (Science Leader (Science, Technology and Society), Kenepuru Science Centre)
PFR: Dr Nigel Larsen (Science Group Leader (Bio-resources, Engineering & Chemistry), Lincoln)
Other members of the Project Team:
ESR: Alistair Sheat, Prof Gerald Midgely, Virginia Baker, Annabel Ahuri-Driscoll, Chris Jenca
with support from:
ESR: Dr Stephen On, Graeme Nicholas
PFR: Tracy Williams
Research Advisory Panel
The Research Advisory Panel provides advice on the Project design and uptake of the research findings by End Users.
Members:
University of Wageningen, The Netherlands (Marketing and Consumer Behaviour Group): Prof Lynn Frewer
VUW (Management School): Prof Sally Davenport, Aroha Mead
PFR (GM Science): Dr Ian Ferguson
ESR (GM Science & Research): Dr Val Orchard, Maui Hudson
MoRST(Senior Adviser): Jane Cameron
Project Administration Portal (internal use only)
Contact information
Research Project Administrator - Future Food Technologies
Institute of Environmental Science and Research Ltd (ESR)
34 Kenepuru Drive
PO Box 50-348
Porirua 5240
New Zealand
Relevant links:
Foundation for Research, Science and Technology (this links to the FRST website and will open in a new window)
The New Zealand Institute for Plant & Food Research Ltd (Plant & Food Research) (this links to the PFR website and will open in a new window)
Ministry of Research, Science and Technology (this links to the MoRST website and will open in a new window)
New Zealand Food Safety Authority (this links to the NZFSA website and will open in a new window)
New Zealand Ministry of Health (this links to the MoH website and will open in a new window)
Ministry for the Environment (this links to the MFE website and will open in a new window)
Environmental Risk Management Authority (this links to the ERMA website and will open in a new window)
Plant & Food Research is a partner in this research project. www.plantandfood.com