Applying DNA chip technology to distribution of agricultural products

Toshiba invented an electrical current detection type of DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) chip technology, and holds the basic patent. However, penetration has not been quick. The reason lies in the difficulties found in the business model for medical DNA testing of the human body. Difficulties concerning a social consensus on genetic testing, finding applications, and pharmaceutical approval are major cost factors. So the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Toshiba, and several researchers plan to apply this technology to value-added branding for agricultural product exports to create more business opportunities. Another aim is to improve agricultural productivity by prevent highly infectious diseases. A questionnaire survey of agricultural producers was completed, and more than 70% of respondents supported application of this technology to agriculture. However, where should this technology be introduced in the very long supply chain of the agricultural export market? According to our findings, we should try to introduce this technology into wholesaler sectors of local governments in Japan, as well as quarantine authorities at export destination. This finding offers significant suggestion for thinking about where the technology should be inserted in the supply chain in order to promote market penetration¹.