Virus-resistant genetically modified (GM) plants offer the possibility of solving local virus-related production agricultural problems for local communities in both developed and undeveloped countries. However, major concerns are held regarding the safety, health (personal and environmental) and ethics of growing GM crop plants. Such non-technical factors and regulatory processes have slowed and/or prevented the field testing and commercialisation of many virus-resistant GM crop plants. The intimate relationships between food, community and the environment accentuate the need for communication between science and society. Resources for active and honest interaction between science and society must be incorporated into research programs to address the issues of the public so that new technologies are developed for the communities that they serve.