Mario F. Teisl
Associate Professor, Department of Resource Economics and Policy, University of Maine
Lynn Halverson
Vice President, MACRO International
Kelly O’Brien
Associate Scientist, Department of Resource Economics and Policy, University of Maine
Brian Roe
Assistant Professor, Department of Agricultural, Environmental an Development Economics, Ohio State University
Nancy Ross
Assistant Professor, Environmental Policy, Unity College
Mike Vayda
Professor, Department of Biochemistry and Assistant Director for Biotechnology Research, University of Maine

We use focus groups to gauge US consumer reactions to alternative genetically modified (GM) food labeling policies. We find a low level of awareness about GM foods, which is surprising given the amount of media activity surrounding the issue. We also find negative reactions to “GMO-free” claims, particularly among people most likely to purchase GM-free foods.

Key words: Consumer, food, genetically modified, labeling.