U.S. Adult Attitudes about Biotechnology and Risk Aversion to Gene Editing

Authors

  • Brandon R. McFadden Department of Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR, USA
  • Joy N. Rumble Department of Agricultural Communication, Education, and Leadership, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
  • Kathryn A. Stofer Department of Agricultural Education and Communication, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
  • Kevin M. Folta Department of Agricultural Education and Communication, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
  • Madison Dyment Horticultural Sciences Department, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA

Keywords:

Gene editing versus genetic modification, Prospect theory, risk aversion to biotechnology

Abstract

While attitudes toward genetically modified (GM) foods have a long study history, there is still much to learn about U.S. adults’ attitudes toward gene edited (GnEd) food. We combine results from two online surveys; one study of 1,331 respondents used a randomized approach to compare views between GnEd and GM foods, and the other study of 1,442 respondents used a framing approach to compare GnEd and fungicide as a solution to combat an agricultural fungus. Overall, respondents viewed GnEd and GM similarly. However, the results provide hints that there are more positive attitudes about the capability of GnEd to positively impact the food system. There was no obvious preference for using either GnEd or fungicide to combat an agricultural disease; however, there were some small framing effects. Combined, our results show some differences emerging in the discussion of GnEd versus GM and reduced some of the risk aversion for GnEd compared to fungicide use.

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Published

2023-11-01

Issue

Vol. 25 No. 2 (2023): AgBioForum, Volume 25, Number 2, 2023

Section

Original Article