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Atimango AO, Wesana J, Kalule SW, Verbeke W, De Steur H. Genome editing in food and agriculture: from regulations to consumer perspectives. Curr Opin Biotechnol 2024; 87:103127. [PMID: 38564970 DOI: 10.1016/j.copbio.2024.103127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2023] [Revised: 03/08/2024] [Accepted: 03/09/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
Genome editing (GE) has emerged as a technology that could revolutionize food and agricultural production. While its advent has evoked enthusiasm for a more sustainable food system, there exists heterogeneity in regulations and public opinions regarding the technology. This review discusses evidence on the implications of government regulations on GE, and perceptions of genome-edited (GEd) food and related regulations. The review highlights consumers' positive attitude and preference for GEd foods when compared with genetically modified foods, despite the limited awareness and knowledge of GE technology. While policy changes might trigger debates, providing tailored benefits, information to consumers could further improve their attitude toward GE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice O Atimango
- Department of Agricultural Economics, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium; Department of Rural Development and Agribusiness, Faculty of Agriculture and Environment, Gulu University, P.O. Box 166, Gulu, Uganda
| | - Joshua Wesana
- Department of Agricultural Economics, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium; Faculty of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, Mountains of the Moon University, Kasindikwa Village, Lake Saaka, Fort-Portal, Uganda
| | - Stephen W Kalule
- Department of Rural Development and Agribusiness, Faculty of Agriculture and Environment, Gulu University, P.O. Box 166, Gulu, Uganda
| | - Wim Verbeke
- Department of Agricultural Economics, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Hans De Steur
- Department of Agricultural Economics, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium.
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Zhaleh R, Mohammadi H, Boccia F, Firoozzare A, Covino D. Consumption of Genetically Modified Food Products and Its Determinants (Case Study: Edible Oil in Mashhad). Foods 2023; 12:2933. [PMID: 37569202 PMCID: PMC10417801 DOI: 10.3390/foods12152933] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2023] [Revised: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
In recent decades, the global increase in the demand for food and the increasing growth of the world population has caused an inevitable transition from traditional to advanced agriculture and the use of new technologies in the production of food and agricultural products. One of the new achievements of biotechnology is the production and use of genetically modified plants. The benefits of genetically modified crops can be seen well beyond the farm as well, from helping to conserve natural resources to fighting climate change. Identifying the factors that influence people's acceptance of genetically modified (GM) foods can inform industries and policymakers regarding their innovation trajectories, as well as policy development and implementation. Therefore, the current research evaluates the effect of the marketing mix and other effective factors on the consumption of genetically modified (GM) edible oil in Mashhad, Iran. The required information was collected by completing 390 questionnaires and using the available sampling method in 2022. Factors affecting the probability of consumers making a decision to consume GM edible oil and the consumption amounts of this oil were analyzed through Heckman's two-stage Tobit model using the STATA 16 software package. The results showed that factors affecting the intention of consuming GM edible oils are different from factors affecting the amount of consumption of GM edible oils. Moreover, selected marketing mixes have a significant effect on the amount of consumption of GM edible oils, and therefore, policy-makers can influence the consumption of GM edible oils by using marketing tools. The effect of household monthly income on the consumption of GM edible oil is also negative and significant, which shows that households with higher incomes have less consumption of GM edible oils. Based on the results, trust in the government has a positive and significant effect on the consumption of GM edible oil, so when consumers have trust in their government about GM food products, the consumption of GM edible oil will increase. Therefore, it is suggested that the country's food security authorities gain the trust of consumers by clarifying the production process of GM products and holding scientific debates between the proponents and opponents of the production and consumption of GM food products in order to express the advantages and disadvantages of these products to inform consumers and help them choose between products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reihaneh Zhaleh
- Department of Agricultural Economics, College of Agriculture, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad 91779-48978, Iran; (R.Z.); (A.F.)
| | - Hosein Mohammadi
- Department of Agricultural Economics, College of Agriculture, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad 91779-48978, Iran; (R.Z.); (A.F.)
| | - Flavio Boccia
- Department of Economic and Legal Studies, Parthenope University of Naples, 80132 Naples, Italy;
| | - Ali Firoozzare
- Department of Agricultural Economics, College of Agriculture, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad 91779-48978, Iran; (R.Z.); (A.F.)
| | - Daniela Covino
- Department of Economic and Legal Studies, Parthenope University of Naples, 80132 Naples, Italy;
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Baum CM, Kamrath C, Bröring S, De Steur H. Show me the benefits! Determinants of behavioral intentions towards CRISPR in the United States. Food Qual Prefer 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.foodqual.2023.104842] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/06/2023]
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Strobbe S, Wesana J, Van Der Straeten D, De Steur H. Public acceptance and stakeholder views of gene edited foods: a global overview. Trends Biotechnol 2023; 41:736-740. [PMID: 36658005 DOI: 10.1016/j.tibtech.2022.12.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2022] [Revised: 12/09/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
The increasing popularity of gene editing in plants has prompted research on stakeholder views. Gene edited foods are often more accepted than genetically modified foods, though differences occur within target groups, regions, and products. Nevertheless, marketing challenges related to a lack of familiarity with the technology, labeling, and risk perception remain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon Strobbe
- Ghent University, Laboratory of Functional Plant Biology, Department of Biology, Ghent University, K.L. Ledeganckstraat 35, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Joshua Wesana
- Ghent University, Department of Agricultural Economics, Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, Ghent, Belgium; Food and Markets Department, Natural Resources Institute, University of Greenwich, Central Avenue, Chatham Maritime, UK; Faculty of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, Mountains of the Moon University, Kasindikwa Village, Lake Saaka, Fort Portal, Uganda
| | - Dominique Van Der Straeten
- Ghent University, Laboratory of Functional Plant Biology, Department of Biology, Ghent University, K.L. Ledeganckstraat 35, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Hans De Steur
- Ghent University, Department of Agricultural Economics, Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, Ghent, Belgium.
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Kang Y, Deng H, Pray C, Hu R. Managers’ attitudes toward gene-editing technology and companies’ R&D investment in gene-editing: the case of Chinese seed companies. GM CROPS & FOOD 2022; 13:309-326. [DOI: 10.1080/21645698.2022.2140567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Yuwei Kang
- School of Management and Economics, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Haiyan Deng
- School of Humanities and Social Sciences, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Carl Pray
- School of Environmental and Biological Sciences, Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, USA
| | - Ruifa Hu
- School of Management and Economics, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, China
- Yangtze River Delta Research Institute, Beijing Institute of Technology, Jiaxing, China
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Consumer Valuation of and Attitudes towards Novel Foods Produced with New Plant Engineering Techniques: A Review. SUSTAINABILITY 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/su132011348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
We follow the PRISMA extension for scoping reviews to review the emerging international body of empirical evidence on consumers’ attitudes and willingness to pay (WTP) for novel foods produced with New Plant Engineering Techniques (NPETs). NPETs include genome/gene editing, cisgenesis, intragenesis, and RNA interference. These novel foods are often beneficial for the environment and human health and more sustainable under increasingly prevalent climate extremes. These techniques can also improve animal welfare and disease resistance when applied to animals. Despite these abilities of NPETs, evidence suggests that many, but not all, consumers discount these novel foods relative to conventional ones. Our review sorts out findings to identify conditioning factors that can increase the acceptance of and WTP for these novel foods in a significant segment of consumers. International patterns of acceptance are identified. We also analyze how information and knowledge interact with consumer acceptance of these novel foods and technologies. Heterogeneity of consumers—across cultures and borders and in attitudes towards science and innovation—emerges as a key determinant of acceptance and WTP. Acceptance and WTP tend to increase when socially beneficial attributes—as opposed to producer-oriented cost-saving attributes—are generated by NPETs. NPET-improved foods are systematically less discounted than transgenic foods. Most of the valuation estimates are based on hypothetical experiments and surveys and await validation through revealed preferences in actual purchases in food retailing environments.
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