Hawaiian biotech papaya is the first direct to consumer biotech product approved by Japan. Other biotech products have been approved for years, but they were all either used for further processing, an ingredient, or for animal feeds. USDA/FAS Tokyo estimates that in the medium term, Hawaii papaya exports could once again reach its potential of $20 million per year.

The question remains, even after the approval is granted: will the Japanese consumer accept GMO labeled fresh papaya from Hawaii? It is too early to say. But if biotech fresh produce can “make it” in Japan, it can make it anywhere.