New research prompts fresh calls to open up the debate around genetic modification

The Royal Society's released a discussion paper showing gene editing could unlock many potentials in the primary sector.

It says altering genes could remove allergens from milk, and make plants disease-resistant.

Senior lecturer in statistics at Otago University Dr Phil Wilcox told Kate Hawkesby he hopes the research helps in making decisions on whether we should be using this technology at all.

"The whole point of this exercise, really, was to discuss possibilities and outline potential scenarios that would generate public discussion.

LISTEN ABOVE AS DR PHIL WILCOX SPEAKS WITH KATE HAWKESBY