Introduction

While modern biotechnology may be considered as one of the main economic development forces for the twenty-first century, it equally presents far-reaching legal, moral and ethical implications for society. Central to the application of biotechnological techniques to a wide range of industries is gene technology – a controversial and emotive subject.

In the industrialised world, public policy makers on biotechnology have been influenced by the concerted interests of governments, industries, academia and environmental groups. Nationally and internationally, such policies are being developed within a climate of tension and conflicting aims. Central to most of these debates is the single main issue – should regulation be dependent on the characteristics of the products modified by recombinant DNA (rDNA) technology or on the use of the rDNA technology per se? The product-versus-process debate has continued for many years and exposes conflicting views on what should represent public policies on new technology development. What is public interest? Should this be left to the scientists and technologists to decide or should the ‘public’ become part of such decision-making processes? The many crucial decisions to be made will affect the future of humanity and the planet's natural resources. Such decisions should be based on the best scientific information in order to allow effective choices for policy options.