Preparing the Way: GM Salmon

More than half of the GMO battle has been about perceptions, and in particular ethical perceptions. Are the companies performing this research doing it ethically? Their biggest PR mistake has been to dismiss customers' and NGOs' concerns about food safety, environmental impact, and the other issues. Wilde argues therefore that in order to give genetically modified salmon the best chance for acceptance, even GMO proponents should give recent criticisms due weight and deliberation.

Run some more tests and make it obvious that the companies are acting ethically with the best interests of the public at heart. Wilde cites the testimony of one GM opponent in particular for being reasonable and clear about what standards would need to be met, at a cost of putting off release for 1-2 years for additional food safety tests rather than 10. Doing further studies as a sign of good faith would make it much easier not only for the product but all future GM livestock and organisms.