Consumers' response to genetically modified food: an Italian case study

Area of Science:

• Agricultural Biotechnology
• Consumer Science
• Food Policy

Background:

• Biotechnologies, including genetically modified (GM) crops, offer solutions for agricultural challenges like pests and droughts.
• Despite potential benefits, consumer hesitancy towards GM food persists, influenced by regulatory debates and public perception.
• Recent EU legislative proposals on new genomic techniques (NGTs) have intensified discussions on agricultural biotechnologies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate Italian consumers' acceptance of GM food.
• To assess consumer knowledge of GM techniques and their differences from conventional breeding.
• To analyze factors influencing purchasing decisions, focusing on food safety and environmental sustainability.

Main Methods:

• An original survey was conducted with 564 Italian consumers.
• Data collected included knowledge levels of GM techniques, awareness of different biotechnologies, and propensity to buy GM food.
• A Multinomial Logit Model (MNL) was employed to analyze the survey data.

Main Results:

• A significant gap in knowledge transfer and communication processes was identified among consumers.
• Widespread misinformation was found to hinder informed decision-making regarding GM food.
• Consumers expressed sensitivity to food safety and environmental issues, often linking them to food safety concerns.

Conclusions:

• Improved knowledge transfer and communication strategies are needed to bridge the information gap on GM food.
• Addressing consumer concerns about food safety and environmental impact is essential for increasing acceptance of GM food.
• Enhanced public understanding of biotechnologies can foster more informed consumer choices in the agricultural sector.