Genomics in the agrofood sector : an overview of social questions and dilemmas

Genomics is a relatively new field of research in which governments and companies will be investing significant sums over coming years. The specific application of genomics in research pertaining to agriculture, food processing and food consumption we name food genomics. To review social and moral aspects that are or will be involved in food genomics research, the Rathenau Institute last year (2002) set up the project Towards a Social Agenda in Food Genomics (Naar een Maatschappelijke Agenda van Voedingsgenomics). Within this project a study was done on the current state of affairs of food genomics research in the Netherlands and five social scientific essays were written about possible social impacts of food genomics. Besides these research activities, an expert meeting and a working conference were organised. Based on the research and debate activities in the Rathenau project, this article suggests a provisional framework for further consideration and discussion of the social aspects of food genomics