The SA 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.
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The industry body that stands the most to lose from this is Wosa. One wonders where their statement is.