Alexandre Gori Maia and José Maria Jardim da Silveira
University of Campinas, Brazil

The study analyzes how latent attitudes affect farmer preferences for GM corn seeds. Results are based on a survey of corn growers in the main producing regions of Brazil. Using factor analysis, the study identifies latent attitudes related to farmers’ familiarity with GM technology; environmental concerns; trust in scientific research; and risk perception of pests, weeds, prices, and climate instability. Next, the impact of these latent attitudes on the stated preferences for GM seeds is estimated using conjoint analysis. Results highlight that, besides economic benefits, farmers’ preferences for GM seeds can also be affected by more general attitudes, many of them reflecting values influenced by ideological and ethical concerns.

Key words: Conjoint analysis, factor analysis, GM, revealed preferences, stated choice, stated preferences.