CONSUMER ACCEPTANCE OF TRANSGENIC CROPS

It has long been recognised that a key determinant of the future devel opment of genetic engineering in food production is likely to be consu mer acceptance. Much of the earlier research into acceptance issues ha s assumed that public perceptions of genetic engineering are defined b y beliefs about the technology overall. However, it is now known that acceptance of novel products is unlikely to be related to general atti tudes towards genetic engineering, People's perceptions of risk and be nefit associated with particular products and applications will determ ine acceptance. There is a need to develop effective risk-benefit comm unication strategies, based on the best scientific information availab le, in order to enable the public to make informed choices about consu ming the products of genetic engineering. It is also essential to deve lop effective communication methods if the public is to contribute to the wider debate about strategic development of genetic engineering. I ssues of social context (such as trust in risk regulators) must also b e considered. Providing information is likely to change people's attit udes, which will in turn generate further public concerns and create a demand for more information about genetic engineering. (C) 1998 SCI.