1
|
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.
Collapse
|
2
|
Abstract
Organic agriculture has experienced remarkable growth in recent decades as societal interest in environmental protection and healthy eating has increased. Research has shown that relative to conventional agriculture, organic farming is more efficient in its use of non-renewable energy, maintains or improves soil quality, and has less of a detrimental effect on water quality and biodiversity. Studies have had more mixed findings, however, when examining the impact of organic farming on greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and climate change. Life cycle assessments (LCAs) in particular have indicated that organic farming can often result in higher GHG emissions per unit product as a result of lower yields. The organic movement has the opportunity to embrace the science of LCA and use this information in developing tools for site-specific assessments that can point toward strategies for improvements. Responding effectively to the climate change crisis should be at the core of the organic movement’s values. Additionally, while societal-level behavioral and policy changes will be required to reduce waste and shift diets to achieve essential reductions in GHG emissions throughout food systems, organic farming should be open to seriously considering emerging technologies and methods to improve its performance and reduce GHG emissions at the production stage.
Collapse
|
3
|
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?
Collapse
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
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
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
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|