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Freedom of Choice—Organic Consumers’ Discourses on New Plant Breeding Techniques. SUSTAINABILITY 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/su14148718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
In recent years, there have been significant developments in biotechnology, specifically regarding New Plant Breeding Techniques (NPBTs). Such advancements have been driven by the need to develop improved and more sustainable crops while reducing pesticides and fertilisers. NPBTs include a heterogeneous group of methods that allow performing plant mutations more precisely than in genetically modified (GM) technologies, saving time and effort. Although some experts consider NPBTs an opportunity for organic farming expansion, the European Court of Justice in 2018 pronounced against their use in organic farming since all plants obtained by NPBTs should follow the same regulations as Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs). This study aims to understand consumers’ attitudes and viewpoints towards new breeding techniques. Focus groups and Q methodological approach were used to uncover consensus and divergence among organic consumers in seven selected European countries (Germany, Italy, Latvia, the Netherlands, Spain, Switzerland, United Kingdom). Results of qualitative studies suggest that organic consumers are generally hostile towards NPBTs in organic farming. Using Q methodology, three distinct factors were identified: the “Risk Averse”, the “Technological Optimists”, and the “Socially Concerned”. The results highlight that consumers’ subjective knowledge and understanding of NPBTs diverge from the discourse of NPBTs lobbyists and proponents.
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De Marchi E, Cavaliere A, Bacenetti J, Milani F, Pigliafreddo S, Banterle A. Can consumer food choices contribute to reduce environmental impact? The case of cisgenic apples. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2019; 681:155-162. [PMID: 31103653 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.05.119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2019] [Revised: 05/08/2019] [Accepted: 05/08/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
In the last decade, cisgenic breeding emerged as a valuable alternative to transgenic genetic modification. Cisgenesis allows to obtain disease-resistant crops, thus reducing the need of chemical pesticides in the fields. This would imply a reduction of the environmental impact deriving from agricultural production. To concretely exploit the potential deriving from such biotechnology application, consumers' willingness to buy and consume such food is an essential matter. In this study we explore consumer choice behavior for cisgenic vs conventional apple alternatives through a hypothetical Choice Experiment, meanwhile examining attribute non-attendance behaviors. The Latent Class Model estimates reveal considerable differences across population segments in terms of choice behavior and preferences. In fact, while some consumers choose based on this attribute, a sizable segment of the population ignores it, suggesting that there may be room on the market for these products with potential implications in terms of environmental and food policy formulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa De Marchi
- Department of Environmental Science and Policy (ESP), University of Milan, Milan, Italy.
| | - Alessia Cavaliere
- Department of Environmental Science and Policy (ESP), University of Milan, Milan, Italy.
| | - Jacopo Bacenetti
- Department of Environmental Science and Policy (ESP), University of Milan, Milan, Italy.
| | - Francesca Milani
- Department of Environmental Science and Policy (ESP), University of Milan, Milan, Italy.
| | - Silvia Pigliafreddo
- Department of Environmental Science and Policy (ESP), University of Milan, Milan, Italy.
| | - Alessandro Banterle
- Department of Environmental Science and Policy (ESP), University of Milan, Milan, Italy.
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Husaini AM, Sohail M. Time to Redefine Organic Agriculture: Can't GM Crops Be Certified as Organics? FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2018; 9:423. [PMID: 29692789 PMCID: PMC5903153 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2018.00423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2017] [Accepted: 03/16/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
The challenges of sustainable food production without damaging the environment for a growing human population have increased considerably. The current agricultural practices involving chemical fertilizers and even organic farming are not sustainable in the long run and can have deleterious effects on the environment. Thus, new, innovative solutions need to be identified and propagated for tackling this. Among such innovations, that can complement conventional as well as organic farming methods, are genetic modification (GM) and aquaculture. Yet, GM technologies often face resistance from civil groups owing to an 'unknown' fear, akin to Frankenstein's monster. How real is this fear? Our discussion rests on basic questions like, why can't 'organics' include GM crops that do not require chemical inputs for cultivation, and can GM crops like Golden rice qualify to be 'organic' if cultivated through organic practices? Do we need to rethink organic agriculture in the context of the present and future challenges of 21st century?
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Affiliation(s)
- Amjad M. Husaini
- Genome Engineering Lab, Division of Plant Biotechnology, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir, Shalimar, India
| | - Muhammad Sohail
- Department of Biochemistry, St Hilda’s College, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
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Tsvetkov I, Atanassov A, Vlahova M, Carlier L, Christov N, Lefort F, Rusanov K, Badjakov I, Dincheva I, Tchamitchian M, Rakleova G, Georgieva L, Tamm L, Iantcheva A, Herforth-Rahmé J, Paplomatas E, Atanassov I. Plant organic farming research – current status and opportunities for future development. BIOTECHNOL BIOTEC EQ 2018. [DOI: 10.1080/13102818.2018.1427509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Ivan Tsvetkov
- AgroBioInstitute, Agricultural Academy, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Atanas Atanassov
- Joint Genomic Center, Sofia University ‘St. Kliment Ohridski’, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Mariana Vlahova
- Joint Genomic Center, Sofia University ‘St. Kliment Ohridski’, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Lucien Carlier
- Plant Sciences Department, Institute for Agricultural and Fisheries Research, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | | | - Francois Lefort
- University of Applied Sciences and Arts Western Switzerland, Delemont, Switzerland
| | | | | | | | - Mark Tchamitchian
- INRA French National Institute for Agricultural Research, Avignon, France
| | - Goritsa Rakleova
- Joint Genomic Center, Sofia University ‘St. Kliment Ohridski’, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | | | - Lucius Tamm
- FiBL Forschungsinstitut für biologischen Landbau, Frick, Switzerland
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van Hove L, Gillund F. Is it only the regulatory status? Broadening the debate on cisgenic plants. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES EUROPE 2017; 29:22. [PMID: 28680789 PMCID: PMC5487859 DOI: 10.1186/s12302-017-0120-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2016] [Accepted: 06/12/2017] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
In current debates on emerging technologies for plant breeding in Europe, much attention has been given to the regulatory status of these techniques and their public acceptance. At present, both genetically modified plants with cisgenic approaches-using genes from crossable species-as well as transgenic approaches-using genes from different species-fall under GMO regulation in the EU and both are mandatorily labelled as GMOs. Researchers involved in the early development of cisgenic GM plants convey the message that the potential use and acceptance of cisgenic approaches will be seriously hindered if GMO regulations are not adjusted. Although the similar treatment and labelling of transgenic and cisgenic plants may be a legitimate concern for the marketability of a cisgenic GM plant, there are concerns around their commercialization that reach beyond the current focus on (de)regulation. In this paper, we will use the development of the cisgenic GM potato that aims to overcome 'late blight'-the most devastating potato disease worldwide-as a case to argue that it is important to recognize, reflect and respond to broader concerns than the dominant focus on the regulatory 'burden' and consumer acceptance. Based on insights we gained from discussing this case with diverse stakeholders within the agricultural sector and potato production in Norway during a series of workshops, we elaborate on additional issues such as the (technical) solution offered; different understandings of the late blight problem; the durability of the potato plant resistance; and patenting and ownership. Hence, this paper contributes to empirical knowledge on stakeholder perspectives on emerging plant breeding technologies, underscoring the importance to broaden the scope of the debate on the opportunities and challenges of agricultural biotechnologies, such as cisgenic GM plants. The paper offers policy-relevant input to ongoing efforts to broaden the scope of risk assessments of agricultural biotechnologies. We aim to contribute to the recognition of the complex socio-ecological, legal and political dimensions in which these technological developments are entangled as a means to acknowledge, discuss and respond to these concerns and thereby contribute to more comprehensive and responsible developments within agricultural biotechnology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lilian van Hove
- Society, Ecology and Ethics Department, GenØk Centre for Biosafety, SIVA Innovation Centre, 9294 Tromsø, Norway
| | - Frøydis Gillund
- Society, Ecology and Ethics Department, GenØk Centre for Biosafety, SIVA Innovation Centre, 9294 Tromsø, Norway
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I Have a Dream: Organic Movements Include Gene Manipulation to Improve Sustainable Farming. SUSTAINABILITY 2017. [DOI: 10.3390/su9030392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
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