AquaBounty is now rearing and selling its genetically modified salmon (AquAdvantage Salmon or AAS) in the United States and Canada. Fish produced at the AquaBounty farm in Panama were previously sold in Canada and were accepted by the market with limited anti-GM comments. In preparation for introducing AAS to the U.S. market, AquaBounty conducted consumer research that included focus groups and online surveys. Most respondents expressed a willingness to try the product and the company found the most positive reactions were triggered by information on the sustainability of the product. C oncerns about the safety of the product were not a significant factor in forming consumer opinion. Details of the research and the findings will be presented.
Following on the consumer research, AquaBounty has also worked closely with the seafood industry and potential customers to provide information on the product, including evidence of health and safety, product quality, and the benefits of producing Atlantic salmon in recirculating, land-based systems. The company is providing its customers with product information and training on best practices for responding to questions and concerns about AquAdvantage salmon. Examples and feedback from customer interactions will be discussed.
To ensure long-term acceptance of AquAdvantage salmon and the next generation of gene edited products that will emerge, AquaBounty has launched a program with leaders in the field of communication and media relations to counter misinformation and false narratives about our company and our product specifically, and about biotechnology in aquaculture more broadly. The objectives of the project and a description of the process will be provided.