NZ wine industry deeply divided over GM use

(Stuff) -Genetic modification was a hotly debated topic at the wine industry's national conference in Blenheim last week.

The issue was raised at the start of the Romeo Bragato conference by KPMG audit partner Ian Proudfoot, who said the wine industry needed to discuss the use of genetically modified organisms.

Whether to adopt them was another question, but it was important to gather as much information as possible so growers could make an informed decision, rather than one based on emotion, he said.

The use of genetically modified vines or yeasts in the vineyard and winemaking process was raised again at the "wine pioneers" panel section of the conference; a question and answer session, for the delegates to question five industry experts.

The panel included Plant and Food Research scientist Mike Trought, Marlborough viticulturist Richard Bowling, Foxes Island founder John Belsham, organic vineyard development expert Bart Arnst and Hawke's Bay winemaker Mal McLennan. Mr Arnst, who has worked for the Marlborough bio-dynamic and organic winery Seresin Estate, was against the idea of GM.