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1 – 10 of over 2000Annelies Verdurme, Xavier Gellynck and Jacques Viaene
The paper aims at investigating whether or not organic food consumers are automatically opposed to genetically modified (GM) food. Results from quantitative market research…
Abstract
The paper aims at investigating whether or not organic food consumers are automatically opposed to genetically modified (GM) food. Results from quantitative market research indicate that this is not the case. Based on attitude towards GM food, three consumer segments are identified: the opponents; the proponents; and the neutrals. Only about 40 per cent of the organic consumers, namely the opponents, reject the use of genetic modification in organic food production. The neutrals are neither against nor in favour of GM food, while the proponents support GM in food production. Besides attitude towards GM food, the proponents differ from the other two segments in terms of beliefs, general attitudes and purchase intentions.
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Marija Cerjak, Damir Kovačić and Ivo Grgić
The purpose of this paper is to examine the knowledge of Croatian traditional food consumers, their attitudes as well as their concerns regarding GM food.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to examine the knowledge of Croatian traditional food consumers, their attitudes as well as their concerns regarding GM food.
Design/methodology/approach
A face‐to‐face survey was conducted with 360 consumers in order to collect data on importance of food production technology, respondents' knowledge about GM food, consumers' beliefs about GM food, fear of genetic modifications, willingness to consume and pay for GM food and respondents' demographics. Data were analysed with univariate and multivariate analyses.
Findings
The knowledge of Croatian traditional food consumers about GM food is relatively low, which affects their negative attitudes about consumption of GM food. Rejection of GM food is mostly associated with fear of possible negative impact of such food on human health and the environment. A high percentage of respondents (70 per cent) consider GM foods harmful to human health, resulting in a low acceptability of GM food even if it would be cheaper than food without GMOs. Respondents believe that GM components improve freshness and shelf life of food, but significantly reduce its taste and nutritional value.
Research limitations/implications
One limitation of this study is the choice of the sample. Further research would be needed in order to explore attitudes and buying intentions of a representative sample of the entire Croatian population.
Practical implications
Research results show that the introduction of GM food in the market would find potential consumers if it would provide some health benefits.
Originality/value
This paper gives the first insight into Croatian traditional food consumers' knowledge and concerns regarding GM food.
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Natasa Renko, Vesna Brcic´‐Stipcevic´ and Sanda Renko
Until recently, the Croatian public has been relatively indifferent and unaware of issues related to genetically modified (GM) food products. However, the situation has changed…
Abstract
Until recently, the Croatian public has been relatively indifferent and unaware of issues related to genetically modified (GM) food products. However, the situation has changed and the Croatian public is becoming deeply sceptical about the benefits of GM food, and also generally about the food they eat. This paper examines some of the dimensions of the attitudes of the Croatian population toward GM food, and points out the high level of knowledge about biotechnology, and also the high level of non‐acceptance in this regard. These findings are significant for Croatian trade (especially importing and exporting), since knowledge about population preferences may influence the status of the Croatian food industry, as well as foreign food producers.
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Neela Badrie, Marynese Titre, Martha Jueanville and Faye D'Heureux‐Calix
This study sets out to assess public awareness and perception of genetically modified (GM) foods in Trinidad, West Indies.
Abstract
Purpose
This study sets out to assess public awareness and perception of genetically modified (GM) foods in Trinidad, West Indies.
Design/methodology/approach
Respondents (113) were interviewed by structured questionnaire on demographics, awareness, perceived risks, perceived benefits, labelling, availability of GM foods and responsibility for information.
Findings
Some respondents (31.0 per cent) had not heard of GM foods. Most (64.6 per cent) respondents were willing (“very” or “somewhat”) to purchase GM foods, if considered healthier than conventionally‐produced foods or to purchase GM foods if they were safe (47.8 per cent). Food labels were important for warnings (31.4 per cent), information (30.4 per cent) and advertising (15.3 per cent). Some major perceived risks of GM foods were the toxic effects on health (41.6 per cent) and allergenic effects (28.3 per cent). Some benefits of GM were for increased productivity of crops and food availability (43.8 per cent), improved health and in disease control (27.9 per cent), economics (21 per cent), pest resistance (18.8 per cent) and improved nutrition (16 per cent). Most respondents (41.1 per cent) felt that the Government was responsible for giving information on GM foods. The public was indifferent (p>0.05) as to whether GM foods should be grown in Trinidad and Tobago. The level of education and gender were not (p>0.05) influential factors on responses.
Originality/value
Although the sample size was small, the findings could be used to target effective public education and bio‐safety policies.
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Qihui Chen, Gaoshuai Liu and Yumei Liu
The purpose of this paper is to examine Chinese consumers’ level of perception of genetically modified (GM) foods and the determinants of their willingness to pay (WTP) for Fad-3…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to examine Chinese consumers’ level of perception of genetically modified (GM) foods and the determinants of their willingness to pay (WTP) for Fad-3 GM lamb, a newly developed GM product.
Design/methodology/approach
Based on a randomized choice experiment involving 576 consumers in Beijing, the authors adopt a double-bounded contingent valuation method to estimate consumers’ WTP for Fad-3 GM lamb, as well as the causal impact of (randomized) product-information disclosure on it.
Findings
The econometric result indicates that the randomly disclosed product information describing details about Fad-3 GM lamb, the potential risks associated with the consumption of it, and the related governmental regulation policies raised consumers’ WTP by 6.2 yuan per Jin (or US$2/kilogram).
Originality/value
This paper provides new experimental evidence of the effect of product-information disclosure on consumers’ WTP for a newly developed GM food product.
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Contemporary business is rather global. Food imports and exports are expanding beyond borders to meet increasing domestic and international food and consumer demands. Genetically…
Abstract
Purpose
Contemporary business is rather global. Food imports and exports are expanding beyond borders to meet increasing domestic and international food and consumer demands. Genetically modified (GM) food emerged as a potential sustainable solution which aims at meeting consumer demands and to mitigate urgent global food security problem. Because of its nature of existence, GM food is a controversial topic in several countries and has varied acceptance rates by consumers. Both government and consumers are antagonistic towards GM foods in most European countries. In contrast, most Asian consumers are neutral and so do not oppose GM foods. The purpose of this viewpoint paper is to examine the factors determining the difference in acceptance of GM foods between cultures. Such information can facilitate policy implications for governments in global agri-food trade and for producers in segregating markets.
Design/methodology/approach
Extensive literature review is done to base the discussions of this viewpoint paper.
Findings
This paper presents five factors that describe the difference in acceptance of GM foods between Europeans and Asians: knowledge and trust over the institutions performing research, uncertainty avoidance and health, gender differences, risk perception and material benefits and food for survival.
Originality/value
There is no systematic study that compares factors determining acceptance of GM foods across cultures.
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Lynn J. Frewer, David Coles, Louis-Marie Houdebine and Gijs A. Kleter
Food products developed using genetically modified (GM) animals may soon be introduced in Europe and beyond. Their successful commercialisation depends on consumer acceptance, and…
Abstract
Purpose
Food products developed using genetically modified (GM) animals may soon be introduced in Europe and beyond. Their successful commercialisation depends on consumer acceptance, and so it is timely to review the existing literature in this respect. The paper aims to discuss these issues.
Design/methodology/approach
A systematic review identified 42 English language peer reviewed papers assessing public opinion of GM animals associated with food production. Thematic analysis was applied to the results to identify and explain consumer attitudes.
Findings
Publication peaked in 2004, and declined thereafter. European consumers were less accepting of GM animal technology than the US and Asian consumers, although the latter reported more ethical concern. Risk and benefit perceptions, ethical concerns (e.g. related to animal welfare) may explain negative consumer attitudes towards animals in food production.
Research limitations/implications
There is a lack of data on consumer attitudes to GM animals applied to food production, in particular in relation to consumers in emerging economies and developing countries. This is problematic as applications of GM animal products are about to enter the market.
Practical implications
There is a need to track changes in public opinion as GM food production animals are further developed. The introduction and commercialisation of applications with specific characteristics may further shape consumer attitudes.
Social implications
Methods need to be developed to involve consumers and other stakeholders in shaping future applications of agri-food applications of GM animals.
Originality/value
The review collates existing quantitative and qualitative knowledge regarding the drivers of consumer attitudes towards GM animals used in food production using systematic review methodology.
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Montserrat Costa‐Font and José M. Gil
In explaining the mechanisms that explicate individuals' acceptance of genetically modified (GM) food, one mechanism that has been largely ignored in the growing body of current…
Abstract
Purpose
In explaining the mechanisms that explicate individuals' acceptance of genetically modified (GM) food, one mechanism that has been largely ignored in the growing body of current research lies in the influence of “meta (wider) attitudes” such as the general attitudes towards science. This article, drawing on survey evidence from Spain, aims to examine the causal relationship between attitudes towards science and attitudes towards GM food.
Design/methodology/approach
The research employs structural equation modeling and explores this association by using sub‐samples made of regional groups that have GM agriculture.
Findings
The results suggest specific behavioral mechanisms in explaining GM consumer attitudes involving attitudes towards science whilst medical and food applications appear to have no (or mild) significant connection in the formation of attitudes towards GM food. Significant influence from age and previously characterized attitude in the formation of structural models is found.
Practical implications
The article has implications for a better understanding of the behavioral mechanisms behind the acceptance of GM food.
Originality/value
This article puts forward several hypotheses on the influence of general meta‐attitudes (towards science and technology) underpinning behavioral explanations for consumer judgments of acceptance towards GM food.
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Jikun Huang, Bowen Peng and Xiaobing Wang
Previous studies have mainly focused on public opinions regarding genetically modified (GM) technology and GM food. The purpose of this paper is to assess scientists’ attitudes on…
Abstract
Purpose
Previous studies have mainly focused on public opinions regarding genetically modified (GM) technology and GM food. The purpose of this paper is to assess scientists’ attitudes on whether China needs to develop its national agricultural GM technology and their willingness to buy GM food.
Design/methodology/approach
A stratified sampling method was used to select and interview 806 scientists from six major agricultural universities and 20 research institutes under two national academies in China in 2013. Based on these data, the authors use both descriptive statistics and multivariate regression analysis to examine scientists’ attitudes toward agricultural GM technology and food, using GM soybean oil as an example of GM foods.
Findings
The survey results show that nearly three-quarters of scientists agree that China needs to develop its agricultural GM technology, but their attitudes differ largely. Only 29 percent of scientists are willing to buy GM soybean oil, similar to urban consumers (25 percent) in China. The knowledge of biology is extensive for some scientists but varies significant among scientists and correlates positively with their attitudes toward agricultural GM technology and GM soybean oil. Younger and male scientists with higher professional titles, and those involved in GM research are more in favor of China’s GM technology compared to other scientists. Female scientists, scientists with lower professional titles, those that have never engaged in GM research or are from non-agricultural scientific disciplines are less willing to buy GM soybean oil. Interestingly, their low willingness to buy GM soybean oil is inconsistent with the fact that it is the most common edible oil in China.
Originality/value
This study is the first to examine scientists’ attitudes toward GM technology and food in China. The results of this study contribute to understanding the current debates on GM technology and the relevance of research, based on the willingness to buy GM food, for decision making regarding the commercialization of GM technology.
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Zahra Fozouni Ardekani, Morteza Akbari, Giovanni Pino, Miguel Ángel Zúñiga and Hossein Azadi
This study investigates consumers' willingness to adopt genetically modified foods (GM) and the role of innovation and behavioral determinants.
Abstract
Purpose
This study investigates consumers' willingness to adopt genetically modified foods (GM) and the role of innovation and behavioral determinants.
Design/methodology/approach
A new integrated model that expands the Health Belief Model (HBM) into the Innovation Diffusion Theory (IDT) was developed and examined. A total of 241 consumers were selected from the capital of Iran, Tehran, through a multistage random sampling. The data were analyzed using SEM-PLS modeling.
Findings
The extended HBM model was able to predict about 84% of the variance changes in consumers' willingness to adopt GM foods. The effects of net benefit and perceived compatibility on the willingness were also significant. In addition, the mediating effect of compatibility on the relationship between net benefit/self-efficacy and willingness to adopt GM foods was also significant.
Originality/value
This study contributes to the literature by developing the HBM into the IDT to assess consumers' willingness to adopt GM foods.
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